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Pregnancy after valve replacement
1Department of Surgical Sciences and Traumatology, Moi University, Eldoret, Kenya.
East African Medical Journal
|January 1, 1994
Summary
Pregnancy after mitral valve replacement can be successful, but carries significant risks due to anticoagulant therapy. Medical advice generally cautions against conception post-valve replacement due to these potential complications.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Obstetrics
- Reproductive Medicine
Background:
- Mitral valve replacement is a critical cardiac procedure.
- Pregnancy in women with cardiac conditions presents unique challenges.
Observation:
- Two cases of successful pregnancies in women with mitral valve prostheses are presented.
- Both patients underwent mitral valve replacement prior to conception.
Findings:
- Both pregnancies proceeded uneventfully through the second trimester.
- Both patients delivered healthy female infants normally.
- Hemodynamically stable patients may tolerate pregnancy well post-mitral valve replacement.
Implications:
- Despite successful outcomes in these cases, the inherent risks of anticoagulant therapy during pregnancy remain substantial.
- It is prudent to advise patients against pregnancy after mitral valve replacement due to these risks.