Maternal Cardiac Complications Research Articles

Abstract P415: The Current Cardiac Disease in Pregnancy -II Risk Score as a Predictor of Pregnancy Morbidity is Not Affected by Maternal Obesity

Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is the most common cause of death in adults over 40 years of age. CVD remains a common cause of death in pregnancy and within the first-year post-partum, and Black women have higher cardiovascular risk during pregnancy than White women. There are several established mortality and morbidity prediction models for maternal cardiac complications including the Cardiac Disease in Pregnancy (CARPREG) risk score. CARPREG-II is the newest risk score which uses ten criteria to predict maternal cardiac complications. However, the only study to validate the CARPREG-II risk score had a large sample size with only 15% of patients with obesity (body mass index (BMI) >30 kg/m2). Obesity and increased obesity class are known risks factors for pregnancy related morbidity and mortality. Thus, the validity of CARPREG-II risk score as a predictor of cardiovascular risks and pregnancy outcomes in women with cardiac disease and obesity remains unknown. Therefore, the goals of our study were to assess the validity of the CARPREG-II score in Black and White women as a predictor of risk for cardiovascular morbidity and mortality in obese pregnant women and determine if obesity influences CARPREG-II score and pregnancy morbidity and mortality. For this study, we completed an IRB-approved retrospective chart review of 232 pregnant adult Black and White women who received care at the University of Mississippi Medical Center (UMMC) from January 2013 - 2020. We completed a CARPREG-II risk score and compared morbidity in patients with normal BMI (18-24.9 kg/m2), overweight (25-29.9 kg/m2), obesity class I (30-34.9 kg/m2), obesity class II (35-39.9 kg/m2), and obesity class III (>40 kg/m2). By race, the majority of White women were categorized as overweight; whereas the majority of Black women were categorized as obesity class II or III (p=0.0016). Although frequency of BMI category differed by race, CARPREG-II score did not differ as BMI increased in Black or White women, and obesity class did not influence CARPREG-II risk score. Our data indicate that Black women were more likely to have increased obesity, but obesity class did not influence CARPREG-II score. The lack of association between obesity class and CARPREG-II risk score indicate that the current CARPREG-II assessment is not an appropriate risk assessment tool for pregnant obese women and additional studies/tools are warranted to determine cardiovascular risks in pregnant obese women.

Risk Factors of Cardiac Complications in Pregnant Women with Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy.

Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) is a common inherited genetic cardiac disease during pregnancy. Studies of risk factors are of great significance for maternal and fetal outcomes. The aim of the study was to identify predictive risk factors for cardiac complications in pregnant women with HCM. One hundred patients with HCM who delivered at the Shanghai obstetrical cardiology intensive care center between January 2000 and December 2022 were retrospectively reviewed. A logistic regression model was used to identify independent risk factors for cardiac complications. Twenty-one cases were obstructive HCM (21%), 16 with cardiac function grade I and 5 with grade II; 79 cases were non-obstructive HCM (79%), 67 with cardiac function grade I, 11 with grade II, and 1 with grade III. Ninety-one cases had abnormal electrocardiogram (ECG) (91%), mainly with ST-T changes (77%). The average interventricular septum was 19.39 ± 6.13 mm by echocardiography (21.75 ± 5.86 mm for obstructive HCM and 18.73 ± 6.08 mm for non-obstructive HCM). The main cardiac complications were maternal death (n = 2, 2%), heart failure (n = 7, 7%), and sustained ventricular tachyarrhythmia (n = 1, 1%). Cardiac complications occur commonly during the third trimester and postpartum period. Three independent risk factors to predict cardiac complications in pregnant women with HCM were obstructive HCM (P = 0.036), New York Heart Association (NYHA) class ≥II (P = 0.022), and previous history of syncope (P = 0.037). HCM increases the risk of maternal death, heart failure, and malignant arrhythmia. More attention should be given to risk assessment and pregnancy management. Early detection of risk factors can reduce the incidence of maternal mortality and cardiac complications.

Predicting cardiac and pregnancy outcomes in women with adult congenital heart disease using the Anatomic and Physiological (AP) Classification System: How much does physiology matter?

BackgroundPregnancy in women with congenital heart disease (CHD) is associated with an increased risk of adverse maternal and fetal events. Despite the physiological impact of CHD on pregnancy, current risk stratification scores primarily consider anatomical lesions. We assessed the performance of the novel American Heart Association Anatomic and Physiological (AP) classification system in predicting adverse maternal cardiac, obstetric and fetal events, and compared it with established risk models. MethodsThis retrospective cohort study enrolled pregnant women with CHD managed by the Westmead Hospital high-risk pregnancy team. Preconception risk stratification scores (AP classification, mWHO classification, CARPREG II and ZAHARA scores) were retrospectively assigned to each pregnancy by an adult CHD cardiologist and compared with the primary outcome measures, which were maternal cardiac, obstetric and fetal complications. ResultsWe analysed 176 pregnancies in 120 women with CHD. Maternal cardiac risk significantly increased between AP class 2 and 3 (p = 0.001). Within class 3, higher physiological status correlated with maternal cardiac events (p < 0.001). Increasing AP severity correlated with lower fetal birthweight percentiles (p = 0.003). The AP classification was similar to mWHO at predicting maternal cardiac outcomes (AUC 0.787 vs 0.777, p < 0.001), but the CARPREG II (AUC 0.852, p < 0.001) and ZAHARA scores (AUC 0.864, p < 0.001) had higher discriminatory ability within our cohort. ConclusionThe AP classification system shows non-inferior preconception maternal cardiac risk prediction compared to current validated scores. Consideration of physiological status has additive predictive value in the most complex patients (Stage III). Prospective, multicenter studies are required for further validation for preconception risk estimation.

Anaesthetic Management and Peripartum Outcomes for Parturients With Valvular Heart Disease in a Tertiary Care Hospital of Pakistan

Introduction Parturients with valvular heart disease are at increased risk of maternal cardiac and neonatal complications. We aim to observe maternal cardiac complications in relation to the type of anaesthesia and mode of delivery as our primary objective and neonatal complications as the secondary outcomes. Methods We retrospectively reviewed all parturients with valvular heart disease undergoing delivery over a five-year period at the Aga Khan University Hospital, Karachi, Pakistan. to identify maternal cardiac and neonatal complications occurring during the peripartum period. Results Of 83 patients with valvular heart disease, 79.5% had rheumatic heart disease. Caesarian section (CS) was performed in 79.5% of patients and regional anaesthesia (RA) was given to 62.1%. Patients with cardiac risk index &gt; 2 were delivered by CS and 64.5% received RA. One maternal and three neonatal deaths were reported with a complication event rate of 9.64% in parturients and 40.9% in neonates. Incidence of maternal cardiac events was one in 17 (5.8%) for vaginal deliveries versus seven in 66 (10.6 %) for CS. Maternal events for CS under RA was 5/66 (7.5 %) vs 2/66 (3%) under general anaesthesia. The incidence of peripartum maternal cardiac events when stratified by severity of cardiac disease was similar to a previously derived cardiac risk index for pregnant women with cardiac disease with no statistical difference in the adverse events rate from the estimated rates (p-value= 0.42). Conclusion Elective CS with RA was a common approach for high-risk parturients; however, the benefits cannot be ascertained. Despite low maternal and neonatal mortality, significant maternal cardiac and neonatal complications were observed.

Maternal Outcomes Among Pregnant Women With Congenital Heart Disease-Associated Pulmonary Hypertension.

Studies focused on pregnant women with congenital heart disease (CHD)-associated pulmonary hypertension (PH) are scarce and limited by small sample sizes and single-center design. This study sought to describe the pregnancy outcomes in women with CHD with and without PH. Outcomes for pregnant women with CHD were evaluated retrospectively from 1993 to 2016 and prospectively from 2017 to 2019 from 7 tertiary hospitals. PH was diagnosed on the basis of echocardiogram or catheterization. The incidence of maternal death, cardiac complications, and obstetric and offspring complications was compared for women with CHD and no PH, mild, and moderate-to-severe PH. A total of 2220 pregnant women with CHD had completed pregnancies. PH associated with CHD was identified in 729 women, including 398 with mild PH (right ventricle to right atrium gradient 30-50 mm Hg) and 331 with moderate-to-severe PH (right ventricle to right atrium gradient >50 mm Hg). Maternal mortality occurred in 1 (0.1%), 0, and 19 (5.7%) women with CHD and no, mild, or moderate-to-severe PH, respectively. Of the 729 patients with PH, 619 (85%) had CHD-associated pulmonary arterial hypertension, and 110 (15%) had other forms of PH. Overall, patients with mild PH had better maternal outcomes than those with moderate-to-severe PH, including the incidence of maternal mortality or heart failure (7.8% versus 39.6%; P<0.001), other cardiac complications (9.0% versus 32.3%; P<0.001), and obstetric complications (5.3% versus 15.7%; P<0.001). Brain natriuretic peptide >100 ng/L (odds ratio, 1.9 [95% CI, 1.0-3.4], P=0.04) and New York Heart Association class III to IV (odds ratio, 2.9 [95% CI, 1.6-5.3], P<0.001) were independently associated with adverse maternal cardiac events in pregnancy with PH, whereas follow-up with a multidisciplinary team (odds ratio, 0.4 [95% CI, 0.2-0.6], P<0.001) and strict antenatal supervision (odds ratio, 0.5 [95% CI, 0.3-0.7], P=0.001) were protective. Women with CHD-associated mild PH appear to have better outcomes compared with women with CHD-associated moderate-to-severe PH, and with event rates similar for most outcomes with women with CHD and no PH. Multimodality risk assessment, including PH severity, brain natriuretic peptide level, and New York Heart Association class, may be useful in risk stratification in pregnancy with PH. Follow-up with a multidisciplinary team and strict antenatal supervision during pregnancy may also help to mitigate the risk of adverse maternal cardiac events.

Predictors of maternal and neonatal complications in women with severe valvular heart disease during pregnancy in Tunisia: a retrospective cohort study

BackgroundSevere valvular heart disease, especially stenosis, is a contraindication for conception according to the World Health Organization. This is still encountered in countries with a high rheumatic fever prevalence. The objective of this study was to determine predictors of maternal cardiac, obstetric and neonatal complications in pregnant women with severe valve disease.MethodsThis is an observational retrospective cohort study of all pregnant women with severe heart valvulopathy who gave birth between 2010 and 2017.ResultsWe included 60 pregnancies in 54 women. Cardiac complications occurred during 37 pregnancies (61%). In multivariate analysis, parity (aOR =2.41, 95% CI[1.12–5.16]), revelation of valvulopathy during pregnancy (aOR = 6.34; 95% CI[1.26–31.77]), severe mitral stenosis (aOR = 6.98, 95% CI[1.14–41.05],) and systolic pulmonary arterial pressure (aOR =1.08, 95% CI[1.01–1.14]) were associated with cardiac complications. Obstetrical complications were noted during 19 pregnancies (31.8%). These complications were associated with nulliparity (aOR = 5.22; 95% CI[1.15–23.6]), multiple valve disease (aOR = 5.26, 95% CI[1.19–23.2]), systolic pulmonary arterial pressure (aOR =1.04, 95% CI[1.002–1.09]), and treatment with vitamin K antagonists (aOR = 8.71, 95% CI[1.98–38.2]). Neonatal complications were noted in 39.3% of newborns (n = 61) and these were associated with occurrence of obstetric complications (aOR = 16.47, 95% CI[3.2–84.3]) and revelation of valvulopathy during pregnancy (aOR = 7.33, 95% CI[1.4–36.1]).ConclusionsRevelation of valvular heart disease during pregnancy is a predictor of not only cardiac but also neonatal complications. Valvular heart disease screening during pre-conceptional counseling is thus crucial.

Ebstein’s anomaly during pregnancy: experience from a tertiary care centre – a case series and review of literature

Pregnancy complicated with uncorrected Ebstein’s anomaly is uncommon and may pose a serious threat to maternal and foetal life in the clinical setting of altered hemodynamics of pregnancy. Data of eight pregnancies in four women with Ebstein’s anomaly who delivered in a tertiary care institute was analysed. Among the four women, one had associated atrial septal defect, one had pulmonary hypertension and three had right bundle branch block. There were two miscarriages and six successful pregnancies resulting in live births. Three of the pregnancies were delivered by caesarean section. There was one pregnancy complicated by severe preeclampsia, no preterm births or maternal cardiac complications. There was one neonate with congenital ostium secundum atrial septal defect. All patients were managed by a multidisciplinary team involving Obstetrician, Cardiologist, Anaesthesiologist and Neonatologist. IMPACT STATEMENT What is already known on this subject? Ebstein’s anomaly is a rare congenital anomaly with apical displacement of the septal tricuspid leaflet in association with leaflet dysplasia. It may cause varied presentation in pregnancy depending on the severity of the lesion. What do the results of this study add? Ebstein’s anomaly may become symptomatic for the first-time during pregnancy. Patients with NYHA class II symptoms and no cyanosis generally tolerate pregnancy well. Miscarriages and intrauterine growth restriction may occur in the presence of this condition. Vaginal delivery is advised and caesarean is done only for obstetric indications. What are the implications of these findings for clinical practise and/or future research? The management of pregnancy with uncorrected Ebstein’s anomaly is highly challenging especially in a low resource setting and requires tertiary centre care. Multidisciplinary team involvement can help to improve the outcomes in such pregnancies.

Risk Factors for Maternal and Perinatal Complications during Pregnancy among Women with Tetralogy of Fallot.

Tetralogy of Fallot (TOF) is the most common cyanotic congenital heart disease during pregnancy. Studies of risk factors are of great significance to maternal and fetal outcomes in patients with TOF. To identify predictive risk factors for maternal and perinatal complications in women with TOF. 78 patients with TOF who delivered at Shanghai Obstetrical Cardiology Intensive Care Center between January 1993 and December 2017 were retrospective reviewed. A logistic regression model was used to identify risk factors for maternal and perinatal complications. There was no maternal death, five patients developed cardiac failure, sustained arrhythmias requiring treatments were recorded among 2 patients. Factors identified for maternal complications included previous cardiac events and oxygen saturation <90%. Oxygen saturation <90% was found to be independent predictor of maternal cardiac complications (RR = 21.455, 95%CI 2.186-210.572, P = 0.009). The perinatal survival rate was 87.18%, there were 52 term deliveries (66.67%). Perinatal poor outcomes include 9 therapeutic abortions (11.54%), 1 neonatal death (1.28%), 16 premature births (20.51%), 18 small for gestational age children (23.08%), 3 neonatal asphyxia (3.85%), and 3 neonatal cardiac malformations (3.85%). Factors identified for perinatal complications included without cardiac surgery, higher hemoglobin values, higher hematocrit values, oxygen saturation <90%, right ventricular hypertrophy, pulmonary stenosis, ventricular septal defect, and pulmonary hypertension. Oxygen saturation <90% was found to be independent predictor of perinatal complications (RR = 8.270, 95%CI 1.374-49.790, P = 0.021). Oxygen saturation <90% is associated with maternal and perinatal risks. Women with TOF whose oxygen saturation <90% are not recommended for pregnancy because of high maternal and perinatal complications.

Management and perinatal outcomes of cardiac arrhythmias in pregnancy

Abstract Funding Acknowledgements Type of funding sources: None. Background Arrhythmias in pregnancy are common and can cause significant complications. The decision to use drug therapy or invasive treatment in pregnancy must have absolutely reasons. Data on perinatal outcomes in pregnant women with arrhythmias is limited. Objective The aim of our study is to observe the characteristics and prognosis of cardiac arrhythmias in pregnant women. Methods 72 pregnant women with arrhythmias have been included (single-center, prospectively study). Mean age of patients: 28,34 ± 5,25years, mean gestation age 22,37 ± 6,77 weeks. Clinical characteristics of patients, obstetric and neonatal outcomes were documented. Results The most common reported arrhythmias were supraventricular tachycardia (n = 32; 44%). This was followed by premature contractions (n = 29; 40%). Advanced heart block (n = 7; 10%) and ventricular tachycardia (n = 4; 6%) were exceedingly rare during pregnancy. Arrhythmias was benign in 12 patients (17%) and did not require drug therapy. Administration of antiarrhythmic treatment was justified when symptoms were very frequent and cause haemodynamic instability (n = 52; 65,7%). In patients with drug refractory and dangerous rhythm disturbances (n = 22; 31%) were performed catheter ablation by using 3D navigation system without fluoroscopy. Permanent pacemaker was implanted in 7 cases (10%) of third-degree atrioventricular block. Interventions were effective in all cases without adverse outcome. In the majority of cases were spontaneus vaginal (n = 48; 66,7%) or vaginal-assisted (n = 6; 8,3%) delivery. Eighteen pregnancies (25%) were delivered by cesarean section. Intrapartum hemorrhage was 350,4 ± 238,2 ml. Maternal cardiac events and obstetric complications were none declared. There were 72 live births (in all pregnancies). Fetal birth weight was 3407,39 ± 785,61 grams, 5 minute Apgar was 8,47 ± 1,6. There were no maternal and fetal mortality. Conclusions supraventricular tachycardia and premature beats are common in pregnancy. Spontaneous vaginal delivery is more likely in this patients. Major maternal and fetal adverse outcomes are infrequent in pregnant women with arrhythmias.

Cardiomyopathy in Pregnancy: A Review Literature

BACKGROUND: Pregnancy is an experience that many women can achieve. Pregnancy is generally well tolerated in asymptomatic patients with cardiomyopathies but in restrictive form cardiomyopathy, pregnancy cannot be tolerated because of poor prognosis. Prior cardiac events, poor functional class (New York Heart Association class III or IV), or advanced left ventricular systolic dysfunction are present, the risk of maternal cardiac complications during pregnancy are markedly increased. Worsening of the clinical condition can occur during pregnancy, despite intensive medical treatment. Although the incident of cardiovascular disease is present 0.5-4% in developed countries, our knowledge about various of cardiomyopathy and pregnancy should be updateable. CONCLUSION: Our literature provide three types of cardiomyopathy in pregnancy with an example condition for each type that relevant during pregnancy. Peripartum cardiomyopathy is the most common form of cardiomyopathy occured in pregnancy therefore a thorough review is needed to give best outcome for pregnancy. Arryhtmia is the commonnest form in hypertrophic cardiomyopathy which need to be regularly monitored and measure should be taken if the arryhtmia is life threatening for mother and the child. Cardiac amyloidosis is the common form of restrictive cardiomyopathy in pregnancy.

Pregnancy and Delivery in Patients With Repaired Congenital Heart Disease - A Retrospective Japanese Multicenter Study.

Although advances in cardiac surgery have led to an increased number of survivors with congenital heart disease (CHD), epidemiological data regarding the pregnancies and deliveries of patients with repaired CHD are scarce.Methods and Results:In this study, we retrospectively reviewed the clinical outcomes of pregnancies and deliveries of women with repaired CHD. Overall, 131 women with repaired CHD were enrolled and there were 269 gestations. All patients were classified as New York Heart Association (NYHA) Class I or II. The prevalence of cesarean sections was higher in patients with (CyCHD) than without (AcyCHD) a past history of cyanosis (51% vs. 19%, respectively; P<0.01). There were 228 offspring from 269 gestations and the most prevalent neonatal complication was premature birth (10%), which was more frequent in the CyCHD than AcyCHD group (15.7% vs. 5.6%, respectively; P<0.01). Five maternal cardiac complications during delivery were observed only in the CyCHD group (8%); these were classified as NYHA Class II and none was fatal. Delivery was successful in most women with repaired CHD who were classified as NYHA Class I or II, although some with CyCHD and NYHA Class II required more attention. Cesarean sections were more common in the CyCHD than AcyCHD group, and CyCHD may be a potential risk for preterm deliveries.

Comparison of risk stratification models for pregnancy in congenital heart disease

BackgroundPregnancy in women with congenital heart disease (CHD) is associated with increased risk for maternal cardiac complications. Several risk stratification models are used to predict adverse cardiac outcome in women with CHD who become pregnant. This study was set up as an exploratory study to provide a head-to-head comparison of the 4 most commonly used models: CARPREG, CARPREG II and ZAHARA risk scores and mWHO risk classification. Methods and resultsWe randomly selected 100 women from the database of paediatric and congenital heart disease of the University Hospitals Leuven. Individual pregnancy risk scores were retrospectively calculated and summarized in a weighted average risk for each risk stratification model. To evaluate accuracy of each model, the weighted average risk was plotted against the actual observed number of “cardiac events” as defined in the respective risk models. Maternal adverse cardiac events occurred in 8% of our study population. Weighted average risks were plotted versus the observed number of events for each model: 10.1% versus 4.0% for CARPREG, 8.6% versus 5.0% for CARPREG II, 11.1% versus 8.0% for ZAHARA and 12.4% versus 8.0% for the mWHO classification. ConclusionAll risk models overestimated maternal cardiac risk. The ZAHARA risk model appeared to be a closer reflection of maternal risk in our cohort of CHD patients. More research on a larger study population is needed.

Repeat Pregnancy after Prior Aortic Valve-in-Valve Replacement: A Cautionary Tale.

Transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) within a severely stenotic native aortic valve or previously placed surgical biologic aortic valve replacement (SAVR) is a rare occurrence in pregnant patients. The short- and long-term procedural outcomes for future pregnancies in these women or any woman of child bearing age who have received prior TAVR or TAVR in SAVR, are unknown. We describe the first result of a repeat pregnancy outcome in a woman with a history of prior TAVR in SAVR. Both maternal and fetal outcomes were favorable, but maternal cardiac complications observed in the third trimester emphasize our concerns regarding risk for cardiac complications in subsequent pregnancies in patients with a prior TAVR in SAVR. Despite the maternal complications that occurred during repeat pregnancy in this patient, a successful pregnancy outcome reaffirms our recommendation to utilize a multidisciplinary team for pregnancy management in patients with prior TAVR or TAVR in SAVR and to help in the management of any cardiac complications that may occur during or shortly after pregnancy.

Cardiac Complications during Pregnancy Related to Parity in Women with Congenital Heart Disease

Objective: To describe the frequency of cardiac complications during pregnancy related to parity in women with congenital heart defects. Methods: A retrospective tertiary single-center study at the Adult Congenital Heart Disease Centre that followed 307 women with congenital heart disease during the years 1997–2015 in Gothenburg, Sweden. Ma­ternal cardiac complications were noted for each pregnancy using medical and obstetric records. The CARPREG I and modified WHO (mWHO) risk classifications were used. Twin pregnancies, miscarriages before gestational week 13, and pregnancy terminations were excluded. Results: Five hundred seventy-one deliveries and 9 late miscarriages were analyzed. The mean parity was 1.74 per woman (range 1–8). Eighty-four (14.6%) maternal cardiac complications were experienced; arrhythmia (5.7%) and heart failure (4.4%) being the most prevalent, and there was 1 maternal death. Heart failure occurred during the first pregnancy in 12 women (3.9%), in the second pregnancy in 8 women (4.3%), and in the third pregnancy in 4 women (7.7%). CARPREG I and mWHO scores were associated with an increased risk of having a cardiac complication, while parity per se was not associated. The OR for having a maternally uneventful second pregnancy if the first pregnancy was without cardiac complications was 5.47 (95% CI 1.76–16.94) after controlling for CARPREG I and mWHO scores. Conclusion: The risk of severe maternal cardiac complications during pregnancy in women with congenital heart disease is low. In this largest analysis to date with a focus on parity in 307 women, the risk classification predicts the maternal outcome more than parity per se. If the first pregnancy is uneventful, the OR is 5.5 for an uneventful second pregnancy if CARPREG I and mWHO scores remain unchanged.

A Case: Optimal Treatment of Pregnancy with Rheumatic Heart Disease

The number of women who have a pre-existing cardiovascular disease (CVD) or develop cardiac problems during pregnancy is increasing, and it is the leading cause of non-obstetric mortality during pregnancy. Heart disease complicates approximately 1–3% of pregnancies and is responsible for 10 to 15% of maternal mortality. The rheumatic heart disease remains the number one worldwide cause of maternal cardiac complications in pregnant. It is important that obstetric, anesthesiologists, cardiologist, remain aware of the disease, its complications and management of valvular lesions throughout the birthing process.

A Case: Optimal Treatment of Pregnancy with Rheumatic Heart Disease

The number of women who have a pre-existing cardiovascular disease (CVD) or develop cardiac problems during pregnancy is increasing, and it is the leading cause of non-obstetric mortality during pregnancy. Heart disease complicates approximately 1–3% of pregnancies and is responsible for 10 to 15% of maternal mortality. The rheumatic heart disease remains the number one worldwide cause of maternal cardiac complications in pregnant. It is important that obstetric, anesthesiologists, cardiologist, remain aware of the disease, its complications and management of valvular lesions throughout the birthing process.

Morbidity in Pregnant Women with a Prosthetic Heart Valve

Women with a prosthetic heart valve are perceived to be at higher risk for adverse outcomes, but their absolute and relative risk of experiencing maternal morbidity and cardiac complications is largely unknown. The objective of the study was to determine the risk of maternal morbidity and cardiac complications in women with a prior heart valve replacement, compared with matched counterparts without known cardiac disease. A retrospective population-based matched cohort study was completed in the province of Ontario, Canada, where there is universal health care. Included were all women of child-bearing age who had bioprosthetic or mechanical replacement of the mitral or aortic valve, April 1994 to March 2016 (valve replacement group). Those in the valve replacement group, and who had at least 1 birth, were 1:4 matched to a community comparison group without heart disease and who also had at least 1 birth. Matching was by maternal age at cohort entry, year of cohort entry, geographic area, income level, and age at first birth. Maternal outcomes included severe maternal morbidity, all-cause mortality, and cardiac morbidity as well as a prolonged hospital length of stay >7 days. Relative risks and 95% confidence intervals were further adjusted for age at birth and immigration status. There were 90 live births among the 64 women in the valve replacement group and 404 live births among the 253 women in the matched community comparison group. There were no stillbirths. Severe maternal morbidity occurred in 13 pregnancies (14.4%) in the valve replacement group and 6 (1.5%) in the community comparison group (adjusted relative risk, 9.73, 95% confidence interval, 3.70-25.59); there were no maternal deaths. The corresponding rates of prolonged hospital length of stay were 37.8% and 18.8% (adjusted relative risk, 2.33, 95% confidence interval, 1.48-3.67). Pregnant women who had aortic or mitral valve replacement were more likely to experience severe maternal morbidity, as well as prolonged hospital length of stay, than matched counterparts without heart disease. This information can enhance shared decision making about the timing of valve replacement and pregnancy planning in young and middle-aged women. To determine the absolute and relative risk of maternal morbidity and cardiac complications in women with prior heart valve replacement, a retrospective population-based matched cohort study was completed in the province of Ontario, Canada, where there is universal health care. Included were all women of child-bearing age who had bioprosthetic or mechanical replacement of the mitral or aortic valve, April 1994 to March 2016 (valve replacement group). Those in the valve replacement group, and who had at least one birth, were 1:4 matched to a community comparison group without heart disease and who also had at least 1 birth. There were 90 live births among the 64 women in the valve replacement group and 404 live births among the 253 women in the matched community comparison group. Severe maternal morbidity occurred in 13 pregnancies (14.4%) in the valve replacement group and 6 (1.5%) in the community comparison group (adjusted relative risk, 9.73); there were no maternal deaths. The corresponding rates of prolonged hospital length of stay were 37.8% and 18.8% (adjusted relative risk, 2.33). In summary, pregnant women who had an aortic or mitral valve replacement were more likely to experience severe maternal morbidity, as well as prolonged hospital length of stay, than matched counterparts without heart disease.

Pregnancy Outcomes in Patients With Heart Disease in China

To analyze pregnancy outcomes of patients with heart disease in a single center and to explore the risk factors of adverse outcomes. One thousand thirty-three pregnant women with heart disease were retrospectively included from 2010 to 2017. We collected data of maternal, obstetric, and fetal outcomes. Among 1,086 pregnancies, 295 (27.1%) with congenital heart disease, 244 (22.5%) with rheumatic heart disease, 387 (35.6%) with arrhythmia, and 55 (5.1%) with cardiomyopathy. There were 8 (0.7%) maternal deaths. Risk factors of mortality were New York Heart Association (NYHA) classification IV (p <0.001), cardiac surgery during pregnancy (p <0.001), and general anesthesia (p <0.001). Maternal cardiac complications occurred in 6.7% of women, with most in the cardiomyopathy (26.0%) and rheumatic heart disease (32.9%) groups. Multivariate logistic regression modeling was used to analyze the potential risk factors. NYHA classification III and IV independently predicted worse maternal outcomes. Peripartum intensive care unit admission rate was 10.2%. Admission to intensive care unit was associated with NYHA classification II/III/IV, modified World Health Organization (mWHO) classification II-III/III/IV, and cardiac surgery during pregnancy. In conclusion, pregnancy with heart disease is at higher risk of complications for both women and neonates. In our findings, maternal morbidity is associated with NYHA classification and mWHO classification.

Pregnancy Outcomes in Women After the Arterial Switch Operation

Pregnancy outcomes after the arterial switch operation (ASO) are rare. We sought to determine outcomes of ASO survivors who underwent pregnancy. Female patients who had an ASO and underwent pregnancy were identified from the congenital heart disease pregnancy clinic at The Royal Melbourne Hospital. All follow-up data were collected retrospectively by medical record review. Eleven (11) women were identified as having undergone medical care during pregnancy, from the adult congenital database, at The Royal Melbourne Hospital. There were 17 successful pregnancies, and nine women have been followed post pregnancy. Of the 17 successful deliveries, eight were delivered by Caesarean section, seven were vaginal deliveries and two were instrumented vaginal deliveries. Of the eight Caesarean sections, five were emergency and three were elective. The indications for emergency Caesarean section were obstructed labour (n = 2), abnormal cardiotocography (n = 1), obstructed labour and abnormal cardiotocography (n = 1) and congestive cardiac failure (n = 1). There was one neonatal complication (respiratory distress requiring intubation) in a child born at 31 weeks. There were maternal obstetric complications in 10 patients. There were two maternal cardiac complications during pregnancy (heart failure and rapid atrial fibrillation/flutter). There was no change in left ventricular function post-pregnancy. There was progression of severity of neo-aortic valve regurgitation in two patients post pregnancy (trivial to mild and moderate-severe to severe respectively). Pregnancy post ASO appears to be safe in the majority of women. Maternal cardiac complications are uncommon in patients without residual significant haemodynamic lesions, although maternal obstetric complications may be common.

Standardized outcomes in reproductive cardiovascular care: The STORCC initiative

BackgroundValidated protocols for diagnostic testing and management of pregnant women with cardiovascular disease (CVD) do not exist. Our objective was to establish a prospective standardized protocol for the clinical evaluation of pregnant women with CVD. MethodsThe Standardized Outcomes in Reproductive Cardiovascular Care (STORCC) initiative prospectively enrolled pregnant women with CVD into a standardized diagnostic testing and assessment protocol. Detailed cardiac and obstetric data were collected during the antepartum, intrapartum, and postpartum periods. Each woman was assigned a STORCC color code of perceived risk at a monthly multidisciplinary conference. ResultsIn 250 pregnancies of 207 women with CVD, the standardized care protocol was followed in 136 and routine care in 114. The median age of the subjects was 32 years, and the most common form of heart disease was congenital heart disease (77%). Women enrolled in standardized care protocol had high compliance with second- and third-trimester visits (93%) and postpartum visits (76%). Maternal cardiac complications occurred in 10%. The STORCC cardiac and obstetric color codes predicted adverse outcomes within each respective category (P = .02, .01). ConclusionsThe STORCC protocol for prospective diagnostic testing and follow-up of pregnant women with CVD was successfully established, and compliance was high. The strength of a standardized testing and care protocol as well as detailed classification of labor and delivery characteristics allows for robust analyses into specific questions regarding testing protocols, and mode and timing of delivery.