prognosis of peripartum cardiomyopathy

Last edited 08/2021 and last reviewed 08/2021

• a few patients die in the acute phase
• most patients improve - although the timing of improvement varies between patients
• maternal mortality rates range widely, from 0% to 30%, depending on the ethnic background and geographic region (1)
  • just under half of women experience myocardial recovery
• further pregnancies are contraindicated while cardiac function remains abnormal
• relapse in subsequent pregnancies is not invariable

Reference:

• Karen Sliwa, Johann Bauersachs, Zolt Arany, Timothy F Spracklen, Denise Hilfiker-Kleiner, Peripartum cardiomyopathy: from genetics to management, European Heart Journal, 2021;, ehab458.