Subsequent pregnancies in peripartum cardiomyopathy: Patient-level differences and decision-making

Study objective

To evaluate patient-level differences and decision making surrounding subsequent pregnancies (SSP) after peripartum cardiomyopathy (PPCM).

Design

Mixed methods approach to evaluate quantitative demographic and clinical differences between patients with and without a SSP and to qualitatively describe the decision-making regarding a SSP with a survey component.

Setting/participants

220 PPCM cases within the University of Pennsylvania Health System.

Main outcome measures

Demographic, clinical and obstetrical outcomes.

Results

73 patients (33 %) had a SSP, 37 with a live birth. Those with a SSP were more likely to self-identify as Black (70 % vs. 52 %; p = 0.04), be nulliparous in index pregnancy (68 % vs. 45 %, p = 0.02), were younger at diagnosis (24.3 vs. 30.5 years; p < 0.01), and a higher left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) at diagnosis (35 % vs. 27.5 %; p = 0.03) compared to patients without a SSP. There was no difference in recovery rates of LVEF (62 % vs. 50 %, p = 0.17), or need for LVAD, transplant, or death. 22 patients completed the survey (representing 44 SSPs): 41 % of SSPs (n = 18) resulted in termination, 18 % (n = 8) in a first/s trimester loss, and 41 % (n = 18) in a live-born delivery. All patients who elected termination indicated risk of recurrence/worsening heart failure to be a motivating factor.

Conclusions

Less than 20 % of patients in this single-center, multi-racial cohort had a SSP and delivery after PPCM with fear of recurrence as a large driver in this decision. Patients with a SSP were younger with a higher EF at diagnosis but ultimately had similar cardiac outcomes as patients without a SSP.