Lower Maternal Risks Than Expected in Subsequent Pregnancies with PPCM
14 Feb 2025 • Women with peripartum cardiomyopathy (PPCM) face notable but manageable risks during subsequent pregnancies (SSPs), according to a global registry study.
Key Findings:
- Among those with SSPs, 20% experienced clinical worsening, including heart failure symptoms and reduced left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF).
- Only 2% of women experienced maternal mortality, reinforcing that risks are lower than anticipated.
- Surprisingly, women with LVEF <50% before pregnancy did not face higher maternal risks.
- Conversely, those with LVEF ≥50% experienced a decline in heart function, likely due to reduced heart failure treatment during pregnancy.
- Neonatal risks included preterm delivery (24%) and low birth weight (20%).
These findings challenge current guidelines, suggesting SSPs may be feasible for women with mild ventricular impairment under expert care.
Source: Oxford Academic | Read Full Story