Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 17, 2026
06:19
Skin Punch Biopsy Explant Culture for Derivation of Primary Human Fibroblasts
Published on: July 7, 2013
Peripartum cardiomyopathy
Karen Sliwa1, James Fett, Uri Elkayam
1Soweto Cardiovascular Research Unit, Department of Cardiology, Chris-Hani-Baragwanath Hospital, University of the Witwatersrand, P O Bertsham 2013, Johannesburg, South Africa. sliwak@medicine.wits.ac.za
Lancet (London, England)
|August 22, 2006
Summary
Peripartum cardiomyopathy (PPCM) is a heart failure condition occurring late in pregnancy or postpartum. Early diagnosis and conventional heart failure treatment improve recovery and reduce mortality.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Obstetrics
- Maternal-Fetal Medicine
Background:
- Peripartum cardiomyopathy (PPCM) is characterized by left ventricular systolic dysfunction and heart failure symptoms during late pregnancy or postpartum.
- The exact causes and pathogenesis of PPCM remain largely unknown, though inflammatory markers are frequently observed.
- PPCM incidence varies significantly across different geographical regions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To summarize the current understanding of peripartum cardiomyopathy, including its presentation, diagnosis, treatment, and prognosis.
- To highlight the need for clinical consideration of PPCM in peripartum patients with unexplained cardiac symptoms.
- To identify key areas for future research in PPCM.
Main Methods:
- Review of existing literature on peripartum cardiomyopathy.
- Analysis of clinical presentations, including typical heart failure symptoms and thromboembolic events.
- Evaluation of standard and potential novel therapeutic strategies.
Main Results:
- PPCM presents with signs of heart failure and can involve thromboembolic complications.
- Conventional heart failure therapies (diuretics, beta-blockers, ACE inhibitors) are associated with improved outcomes.
- Full recovery of left ventricular systolic function is linked to better outcomes in subsequent pregnancies.
Conclusions:
- PPCM requires prompt clinical suspicion and management in affected peripartum women.
- Effective treatment can significantly improve recovery rates and reduce mortality.
- Future research should focus on immune dysfunction, viral roles, and novel treatments like immunosuppression and cytokine suppression.
Related Concept Videos
01:23Skin Diseases and Disorders
Skin is the first line of defense and encounters a variety of microbes. Some pathogenic strains are often the cause of a broad range of infections of the skin and other body systems. These conditions can affect people of all ages and may have different causes, including genetic factors, infections, autoimmune reactions, environmental factors, and lifestyle choices.
Gram-positive Staphylococcus spp. and Streptococcus spp. are responsible for many of the most common skin infections. However, many...
Gram-positive Staphylococcus spp. and Streptococcus spp. are responsible for many of the most common skin infections. However, many...
01:21Myocarditis I: Introduction
Myocarditis is inflammation of the myocardium, which is the muscular layer of the heart.EtiologyMyocarditis has a diverse etiology, including a wide range of infectious and non-infectious causes:Infectious CausesViral: Common viruses include Coxsackie A and B, adenovirus, parvovirus B19, enteroviruses, and influenza A.Bacterial: Examples include infections caused by Streptococcus, Staphylococcus, and Mycoplasma species.Rickettsial: Infections like Rocky Mountain spotted fever can result in...
01:27Myocarditis II: Clinical Features and Diagnostic Tests
Myocarditis is an inflammation of the heart muscle. The symptoms vary widely, encompassing asymptomatic presentations to severe, acute manifestations.Clinical PresentationAsymptomatic cases: In some instances, myocarditis may be asymptomatic, with the infection resolving without intervention. These cases often go undetected unless discovered incidentally through diagnostic imaging or tests conducted for other reasons.General Early Symptoms: Early symptoms of myocarditis are non-specific and can...
01:22Pericarditis I: Introduction
Pericarditis is defined as the inflammation of the pericardium, the thin, sac-like membrane surrounding the heart. This condition can cause significant chest pain and other symptoms, often necessitating medical intervention. The pericardium has two layers: the inner visceral layer and the outer parietal layer, separated by a small amount of fluid that reduces friction during heartbeats.Types of PericarditisPericarditis can be classified into several types based on the duration and nature of the...
01:23Rheumatic Heart Disease I: Introduction
Rheumatic heart disease or RHD is a chronic condition that results from rheumatic fever, causing permanent damage to the heart valves.Etiology and Risk FactorsIt primarily arises from rheumatic fever, an inflammatory disease that can develop after untreated or inadequately treated group A streptococcal (GAS) pharyngitis. Streptococcus spreads through direct contact with oral or respiratory secretions. While the bacteria are the causative agents, factors like malnutrition, overcrowding, poor...
01:30Angina I: Introduction
Definition and Symptoms: Angina (angina pectoris) is chest pain or discomfort caused by myocardial ischemia, which occurs when the heart muscle receives insufficient oxygen-rich blood. It typically manifests as pressing, squeezing, or crushing sensations in the chest and may radiate to the shoulders, arms, neck, jaw, or back.Primary Cause: In a healthy state, the coronary arteries can dilate (widen) to increase blood flow and meet the increased oxygen demand during physical activity or...