Abstract
BACKGROUND: LV recovery in Peripartum Cardiomyopathy (PPCM) depends on several baseline factors including left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF), LV end-diastolic diameter (LVEDD), duration of symptoms. The role baseline RV function in LV recovery remains poorly described. This study sought to determine the relationship between baseline RV systolic function and LV recovery at six-months follow up among women with PPCM in Uganda. METHODS: Prospective cohort study of 80 PPCM cases and 80 healthy matched controls observed over a 6-month period while on goal-directed medical therapy (GDMT). All enrolled participants had a 12-lead electrocardiography, echocardiography at baseline and at 6-months follow-up for assessment of LV systolic function using LV global longitudinal strain (LV GLS) and LV EF whereas RV systolic function was assessed using; fractional area change (FAC), tricuspid annular plane excursion (TAPSE), RV lateral wall S' (RV S'), fractional wall strain (FWS) and RV global longitudinal strain (RV GLS). RESULTS: The mean data of cases included age of 33.6 ± 6.6 years, LVEF 35.7 ± 11.0 %, LV GLS -11.9 ± 4.7 % and RV GLS -14.7 ± 10.9 %, RV FAC 32.9 ± 13.5 %, Lat S' 10.6 ± 3.0 cm/s and RV FWS -17.1 ± 7.2 %. LV recovery occurred among 46.3 % cases. Factors which predicted LV recovery included heart rate and LVEDD. CONCLUSION: Under half of PPCM cases had LV recovery at six-months on GDMT and Bromocriptine. Baseline heart rate and LVEDD predicted LV recovery.