Peripartum cardiomyopathy in a rural Nigerian hospital.

In a rural hospital in Northern Nigeria in 1985 seventeen patients were admitted who met with the criteria of peripartum cardiomyopathy. Local habits played an important part in the course of the disease. Physical examination with an emphasis on bloodpressure and the condition of the heart was most reliable in establishing the diagnosis and assessing the treatment. Electrocardiography (ECG) was introduced, but proved of low value. Treatment consisted of bedrest and diuretics. One patient died, eight patients made a full clinical recovery but eight patients did not improve. Unfortunately all patients withdrew from follow-up.