Feto-maternal complications and outcomes of pregnant women with valvular heart disease in a tertiary center in Ethiopia

Abstract

INTRODUCTION: Globally, valvular heart disease (VHD) is a major cause of heart disease and is associated with indirect maternal mortality. Pregnancy associated with VHD results in various feto-maternal complications. The objective of this study was to evaluate the maternal and fetal complications and outcomes of pregnancies complicated by VHD at Jimma University medical center. METHODS: a hospital-based cross-sectional study was conducted among all pregnant mothers with VHD that visited Jimma University Medical center, from September 1, 2018 to July 30, 2019. RESULTS: the prevalence of VHD in pregnant women was 0.6%. Out of a total of 29 pregnant women 28 (96.6%) had rheumatic heart disease. Mitral stenosis (75.9%) was the most frequent mitral valve pathology and 16 (55.2%) had severe mitral stenosis. The commonest maternal complication was new onset or worsening of heart failure in 22 (75.9%). The commonest neonatal complication was preterm delivery (39.3%). There were 2 postpartum maternal deaths (6.9%) and 4 (14.3%) early neonatal deaths. CONCLUSION: majority of pregnant women with VHD had rheumatic heart disease. Adverse feto-maternal complications were common. Expanding access to cardiovascular interventions and feto-maternal medicine services is recommended.