Favorable outcome of pregnancy with an elective use of epoprostenol and sildenafil in women with severe pulmonary hypertension.

BACKGROUND

Pulmonary hypertension carries significant maternal and fetal risk during pregnancy and the postpartum period. As maternal mortality is high, specific targeted therapy for pulmonary hypertension may be required during pregnancy.

CASES

We describe 2 pregnant patients who presented with severe secondary pulmonary arterial hypertension during their last trimester. They were electively treated in the late antepartum and early postpartum periods with sildenafil and intravenous epoprostenol and successfully delivered healthy infants via cesarean section without postpartum complications.

CONCLUSION

Although pulmonary hypertension is associated with a risk of maternal mortality and most women are advised against pregnancy, new therapies may improve the outcome of pregnancy in patients with pulmonary hypertension.