Abstract

Background: Peripartum cardiomyopathy (PPCM) is an idiopathic, potentially life- threatening condition that affects women in the peripartum period. Prior definitions, Echocardiography cut-offs and being a diagnosis of exclusion have lead to women with this condition being overlooked or mis-diagnosed leading to higher mortality. Aim and Objective: To develop a novel approach for Screening and finding Incidence of PeriPartum Cardiomyopathy (PPCM) in a year at a tertiary Centre. Result: Among the 981 deliveries, 4 cases were diagnosed with PPCM during one year of study making incidence as 4.07 cases/ 1000 people-year i.e approximately 4 case per 1000 in a year.. As the study was conducted at a tertiary referral centre in a rural setting, the incidence of PPCM came out to be significantly higher than the national average. Conclusion: Diagnosing PPCM requires a high index of suspicion and awareness among the primary caregivers. PPCM were noted in cases, which were unbooked without ANC follow-up indicating need importance of regular antenatal checkups. Early diagnosis and systematic approach is determining factor of maternal and fetal outcome. Keywords: Peripartum cardiomyopathy, screening, incidence, pregnancy, heart failure, early detection, maternal outcomes

Description