Publication:

A study of maternal and fetal outcome in cardiac disease in pregnancy at tertiary care center

Background Cardiac disease complicating pregnancy is an indirect cause of maternal mortality. The incidence of cardiac disease during pregnancy has remained stable for many years even with significant decrease in the occurrence of rheumatic heart disease (RHD) as this decrease is being compensated by significant increase of pregnancy in women with congenital heart disease (CHD). Therefore, in this study we aim to analyse the incidence of cardiac disease in pregnancy and to assess the obstetrical outcome.

Methods A retrospective study carried out in 32 women with cardiac disorders at a tertiary care centre during the period of 5 years.

Results In the present study the incidence of cardiac disease in pregnancy was observed to be 0.21%. With 62.6% rheumatic, 21.8% congenital being and 15.6% peripartum cardiomyopathy. Among rheumatic valvular heart disease, mitral valve stenosis was most common followed by mitral regurgitation and tricuspid regurgitation. Non-cardiac complications like pre-eclampsia and anaemia were also noted. No of vaginal delivery were higher compared to caesarean (26 versus 6). Adverse perinatal outcomes in form of preterm, NICU admission and perinatal death were also noted.

Conclusions A cardiac disease has a major impact on pregnancy. It is a multidisciplinary teamwork to have optimal maternal and foetal outcome in women with cardiac disease. Hence, constant vigilance is required throughout antenatal, intrapartum and postpartum period to avoid adverse outcomes.