Antenatal/intrapartum management of parturient with methamphetamine induced cardiomyopathy in a regional centre.

Abstract

Introduction: Peripartum cardiomyopathy (PPCM) is an uncommon form of heart failure that happens during the last month of pregnancy or up to five months after giving birth. It typically presents with signs of LV failure in a previously healthy woman and has an incidence of approximately 1:300–1:4000 with most occurring postpartum. Although the aetiology is still controversial, obesity, viral infection and drugs are all associated. It carries a mortality of up to 28% and symptoms range from shortness of breath and tachypnea to haemptysis, chest pain and right upper quadrant pain. Methods: Case Report. Results: A multiparous obese woman developed peripartum cardiomyopathy after her first delivery. After investigation, the aetiology was thought to be a combination of super morbid obesity and methamphetamine use. I discuss the antenatal investigations as well as the appropriate intrapartum management associated. Discussion: I discuss the clinical manifestations, appropriate diagnostic tools and management of this condition.