Korean J Crit Care Med.  2004 Dec;19(2):143-147.

Labor Analgesia with Epidural Blockade in Parturient with Peripartum Cardiomyopathy: A Case Report

• Ryu TH
• Jeong JH
• Lim DG
• Kim SO

Abstract

Peripartum cardiomyopathy (PPCM) is an unusual and uncommon causes of antepartum and postpartum heart failure, which may result in severe cardiac failure and death. PPCM is often unrecognized as symptoms of normal pregnancy commonly mimic those of mild heart failure but can rapidly progress to cardiac failure. We presented a case of elective labor induction in a patient with peripartum cardiomyopathy. A epidural analgesia technique was performed without difficulty for labor analgesia in parturient with peripartum cardiomyopathy. Her post-delivery course was uncomplicated but her baby has died due to respiratory failure. We suggest that vaginal delivery with careful incremental epidural alnalgesia in patient with PPCM is acceptable methods and close peripartum monitoring is essential in the management of PPCM.

Keyword

Cardiomyopathy; Epidural block; Labor analgesia; Peripartum

MeSH Terms

Analgesia*
Analgesia, Epidural
Cardiomyopathies*
Heart Failure
Humans
Peripartum Period*
Postpartum Period
Pregnancy
Respiratory Insufficiency