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[Pregnancy and congenital heart defects]
F Köhler1, P Fotuhi, G Baumann
1Universitätsklinikum Charité Campus Mitte Medizinische Klinik und Poliklinik (Schwerpunkte Kardiologie, Angiologie und Pneumologie) Schumannstr. 20/21 10098 Berlin. friedrich.koehler@charite.de
Zeitschrift Fur Kardiologie
|May 26, 2001
Summary
Pregnancy is possible for many women with congenital heart disease (CHD) with interdisciplinary care. However, certain severe conditions like pulmonary hypertension necessitate pregnancy termination due to high maternal mortality risks.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Obstetrics
- Genetics
Context:
- Advanced diagnostic and therapeutic techniques enable pregnancy for patients with congenital heart disease (CHD).
- Interdisciplinary collaboration among cardiologists, obstetricians, and general practitioners is crucial for successful pregnancy outcomes.
- Pregnancy outcomes depend on the specific cardiac malformation, maternal heart function, and fetal status.
Purpose:
- To review the feasibility and risks of pregnancy in women with congenital heart disease.
- To highlight the importance of specialized care and genetic counseling.
- To identify contraindications for pregnancy in women with severe cardiac conditions.
Summary:
- Pregnancy in women with CHD can be successful with specialized, multidisciplinary care, leading to low maternal mortality.
- Certain severe conditions, including primary pulmonary hypertension and Eisenmenger's syndrome, remain contraindications for pregnancy.
- Genetic counseling and fetal echocardiography are recommended due to a slightly increased risk of recurrence for some CHD types.
Impact:
- Informs clinical practice regarding risk assessment and management for pregnant women with CHD.
- Emphasizes the need for specialized centers for optimal patient outcomes.
- Supports informed decision-making for patients considering pregnancy with congenital heart conditions.