Pregnancy after heart transplant: a case report

• Type: Article in National Scientific Journal
• Date: 2012

Authors

Machado L (Author) Other; Ayres-de-Campos D (Author) Other; Maciel MJ (Author) FMUP

Journal

Title: Acta Obstetrica e Ginecologica Portuguesa

Vol. 6 No. 2

Pages: 75-78

ISSN: 1646-5830

Publisher: Federação das Sociedades Portuguesas de Obstetrícia e Ginecologia

Scientific classification

FOS: Medical and Health sciences > Clinical medicine

Other information

Abstract (EN): A growing number of women of reproductive age have been submitted to heart transplants in industrialized countries, as it is an established option for end-stage cardiac disease. Pregnancy after heart transplant is discouraged in most centres, due to increased maternal and fetal morbidities consequent to the immunological and hemodynamic changes of pregnancy, as well as to the side effects of immunosuppressive therapy. We present the case report of an unplanned pregnancy in a 32-year-old primigravida, who had undergone a heart transplant six years before, due to a familial dilated cardiomyopathy. Prenatal surveillance was uneventful and a healthy infant was born at 37 weeks by cesarean section. A moderate post-partum haemorrhage requiring B-Lynch suture ensued. A transient episode of shortness of breath and cyanosis occurred on the second post-operative day. Pulmonary thromboembolism was ruled out and a spontaneous reversion of the symptoms occurred. At 18 months of age the child has a normal neuro-phsycomotor development and maternal heart function is preserved.

Language: English

Type (Professor's evaluation): Scientific

Notes: Machado L, Ayres-de-Campos D, Maciel MJ. Pregnancy after heart transplant: a case report. Acta Obstet Ginecol Port 2012; 6(2): 75-78