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A serious complication in the puerperium: peripartum cardiomyopathy

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Abstract

Two women, aged 27, presented with different symptoms shortly after giving birth to their first child. Peripartum cardiomyopathy (PPCM) was diagnosed. PPCM is a rare form of cardiac failure occurring late in pregnancy or in the postpartum period. Many women experience dyspnoea, fatigue, and pedal oedema in the last month of pregnancy or postpartum, symptoms which are identical to early congestive heart failure. Therefore, the diagnosis of PPCM requires vigilance. A high mortality rate and overall poor clinical outcome has been reported in a high percentage of these patients. Subsequent pregnancies remain controversial. (Neth Heart J 2008;16:415-8.)

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Authors and Affiliations

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    M. G. E. Bosch

Authors
  1. M. G. E. Bosch
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  2. J. G. Santema
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  3. P. H. J. van der Voort
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  4. J. L Bams
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Corresponding author

Correspondence to M. G. E. Bosch.

Additional information

Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Medical Centre Leeuwarden, the Netherlands

Department of Intensive Care, Onze Lieve Vrouwe Gasthuis, Amsterdam, the Netherlands

Intensive Care Unit, University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen, the Netherlands

Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Medical Centre Leeuwarden, PO Box 888, 8901 BR, Leeuwarden,the Netherlands

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Bosch, M.G.E., Santema, J.G., van der Voort, P.H.J. et al. A serious complication in the puerperium: peripartum cardiomyopathy. NHJL 16, 415–418 (2008). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF03086189

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