Peri-Partum Cardiomyopathy: Epidemiological, Clinical Aspects and Risk Factors in Semi-Urban Areas in Senegal

Introduction: Peri-partum cardiomyopathy is a rare cause of heart failure. The objective of this work was to describe the epidemiological, clinical aspects and risk factors associated with peri-partum cardiomyopathy in Ziguinchor. Methodology: This was a retrospective study from January 01, 2015 to April 30, 2020 at the Ziguinchor Peace Hospital. We included all patients hospitalized for heart failure between the 8th month of pregnancy and the first 5 months postpartum. Results: We had recorded 32 cases of PPCM, i.e. an inpatient prevalence of 2.3%. The average age of our patients was 27.19 ± 8.082 years. The multiparous (43.7%) were the most represented. Twin pregnancy was present in 28.1% of cases. Clinically, the condition occurred within the first three months postpartum in 28.1% of cases. The clinical picture was that of global heart failure in 87.5% of cases. On cardiac ultrasound, the average end diastolic diameter of the left ventricle was 58.9 ± 4.98 mm and the average systolic ejection fraction of the left ventricle was 33.19% ± 8.24%. The treatment was mainly based on diuretics (100%) and ACE inhibitors (93.8%). After 6 months, 82.1% of patients had recovered normal left ventricular systolic function. Multiple pregnancies, age over 30, and twinning were the risk factors for PPCM in our patients. Conclusion: PPCM is a rare cause of heart failure and its overall prognosis is favorable in Ziguinchor.