Peripartum cardiomyopathy--report of 16 cases.

OBJECTIVE

To analyze the clinical characteristics of peripartum cardiomyopathy and to evaluate the different factors that influence the prognosis of the peripartum cardiomyopathy.

METHOD

A retrospective review was undertaken on records of women who were diagnosed with peripartum cardiomyopathy at Peking Union Medical College Hospital between Jan. 1983 and May 1999.

RESULTS

During the research period, only 16 pregnant women were documented as peripartum cardiomyopathy. Some of the women undertook ultrasonic cardiographic (UCG) examination that showed decreased systolic function. Seven women were complicated with pregnancy induced hypertension. Three died of disseminated intravascular coagulation, embolism and cardiogenic shock respectively.

CONCLUSION

Early diagnosis of the peripartum cardiomyopathy is extremely important. The UCG can provide helpful information on disease progression or regression.