Abstract
Peripartum cardiomyopathy is a rare and potentially fatal disease with peripartum heart failure in previously healthy women. A brief review of the literature is provided with emphasis on recent data indicating that an antiangiogenic cleavage product of prolactin contributes to the molecular mechanisms underlying peripartum cardiomyopathy, and that blocking the release of prolactin with bromocriptine can ameliorate the condition.
MeSH terms
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Bromocriptine / therapeutic use
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Cardiomyopathies / diagnosis*
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Cardiomyopathies / drug therapy
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Cardiomyopathies / etiology
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Female
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Hormone Antagonists / therapeutic use
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Humans
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Pregnancy
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Pregnancy Complications, Cardiovascular / diagnosis*
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Pregnancy Complications, Cardiovascular / drug therapy
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Pregnancy Complications, Cardiovascular / etiology
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Puerperal Disorders / diagnosis*
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Puerperal Disorders / drug therapy
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Puerperal Disorders / etiology
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Risk Factors
Substances
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Hormone Antagonists
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Bromocriptine