Unrecognized PPCM

[JAMESFETT]

An article in this month's Critical Care Medicine [2005;Apr, 33:891-3] emphasizes the importance of recognizing PPCM. A 35 year-old mother, 5 weeks postpartum, uneventful pregnancy, experienced liver failure and shock. Only at that point was an echocardiogram done, finding severe left ventricular dysfunction with an EF of 15 percent, and severe liver failure. She was being considered for liver transplant. With the diagnosis of PPCM, heart failure treatment was initiated. The authors state, "After initiation of appropriate treatment for dilated cardiomyopathy, the patient's hepatic failure resolved and she made a full recovery." Thank God she recovered. Maybe she will join this board!?. My comment: So important to recognize PPCM early.

James

[SusanD]

I completely agree...and yet they are so incredibly resistant to learning more ! I have a FREE powerpoint presentation I have offered to give on several occasions to L&D units, CCU,etc. and only one unit has taken me up on it. Even on that occasion, attendance was poor.

I was just at the Dr's office yesterday for bronchitis, possible pnuemonia. The Dr. had *no* idea what PPCM was. Scary.

[JAMESFETT]

Good for you, Susan D. Keep up the good work! We just have to keep pecking away and offering the info, eventually, the message will get out there. And I suspect the incidence of PPCM is increasing--I'm sure the awareness is--slow but sure.

James