Long‐Term Cardiac Function After Peripartum Cardiomyopathy and Preeclampsia: A Danish Nationwide, Clinical Follow‐Up Study Using Maximal Exercise Testing and Cardiac Magnetic Resonance Imaging

• DOI: 10.1161/jaha.118.008991
• Publication Date: 2018-10-03T09:01:11Z
• Authors: Anne S. Ersbøll; Annemie S. Bojer; Maria G. Hauge; Marianne Johansen; Peter Damm; Finn Gustafsson; Niels G. Vejlstrup
• Keywords: Peripartum Cardiomyopathy

Background Long-term clinical studies of peripartum cardiomyopathy ( PPCM ) are few. We aimed to measure the long-term effect on cardiac function in comparison with effects severe preeclampsia and uncomplicated pregnancy. Methods Results A nationwide Danish cohort women diagnosed from 2005 2014 group) were invited participate a follow-up study including maximal cardiopulmonary exercise testing magnetic resonance imaging. Matched previous (preeclampsia pregnancies (uncomplicated served as groups. total 84 28 each group participated. Median time after was 91 months. Most (85%) reported no symptoms heart failure. Mean left ventricular ejection fraction normal at 62%, but significantly lower than where mean 69% 67%, respectively P<0.0001). Women also had impaired diastolic reduced peak filling rate, atrial passive emptying volume, fraction. Maximal capacity (peak VO 2) compared group, , high body mass index, low independently predicted 2. Only 1 woman late gadolinium enhancement. Conclusions generally recovered asymptomatic 7 years subtle dysfunction imaging Focal myocardial fibrosis assessed enhancement was, however, uncommon.