Peripartum cardiomyopathy: moving towards a more central role of genetics.

ABSTRACT: Peripartum cardiomyopathy (PCM) is a relatively rare disease with potentially devasting consequences requiring prompt identification and correct treatment. Overall prognosis is good in majority of the cases, although some patients may progress to irreversible heart failure. Early diagnosis is important and effective treatment reduces mortality rates and increases the chance of complete recovery of ventricular systolic function. The aetiology and pathogenesis seems to be multifactorial and poorly understood, with the available literature rather conflicting. In recent years, there has been increased interest in the role played by genetic predisposition in the development of PCM. It probably develops as a result of a complex interaction of pregnancy-associated factors and genetic factors and

SUBMITTER: Cemin R 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC3780342 | biostudies-literature | 2013 Aug

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature