Editorials and ReviewsPeripartum Cardiomyopathy: A Systematic Literature ReviewErsbøll, A.S.; Damm, P.; Gustafsson, F.; Vejlstrup, N.G.; Johansen, M. Author Information Center for Pregnancy and Heart Disease, Rigshospitalet Copenhagen University Hospital, Copenhagen, Denmark Obstetric Anesthesia Digest 37(3):p 119, September 2017. | DOI: 10.1097/01.aoa.0000521210.81158.b1 Buy Metrics Abstract (Acta Obstet Gynecol Scand. 2016;95(11):1205–1219) Peripartum cardiomyopathy (PPCM) is a rare cause of heart failure in pregnant women worldwide. However, the incidence in the United States has risen from 1:4350 live births in 1990 to 1993 to 1:968 in 2003 to 2011. This recent rise in cases may be explained by increased awareness of the condition as well as increases in maternal age, multiple gestation, chronic hypertension, and use of assisted reproductive technology. Although viral infection, selenium deficiency, autoimmunity and genetic factors have been suggested as contributing factors in PPCM, Fms-like tyrosine kinase 1 (sFlt-1) and the hormone prolactin have been the subject of recent research. PPCM can be difficult to diagnose because symptoms resemble those of other pregnancy-related conditions. This review aimed to supply clinicians with current information on the diagnosis, mechanisms and management of PPCM. Copyright © 2017 Wolters Kluwer Health, Inc. All rights reserved.
