CLINICAL FINDINGS AND MATERNAL OUTCOME OF PREGNANT PATIENTS WITH VALVULAR HEART DISEASE

Abstract

Objectives: Pregnancy is associated with significant hemodynamic changes that may aggravate valvular heart disease and increase the risk of thrombo-embolic events. Valvular heart disease accounts for approximately a quarter of the cardiac diseases complicating pregnancy and is an important cause of maternal mortality, posing many challenges in management. In this study, we have evaluated the risk factors, clinical presentation, ECG, and X-ray findings in pregnant women with valvular disorder.

Methodology: This study was conducted in cardiology unit of Ghulam Muhammad Mahar Medical College (GMMMC), Sukkur in close association with gynecology department from January 2019 to December 2019. Thirty (30) pregnant women who were diagnoses with valvular disorder based on clinical presentation were enrolled in study after informed consent.

Results: In our study the most common valvular disorder identified was mitral regurgitation in 17 (56.6%), followed by mitral stenosis in 14 (46.6%) participants. Fourteen (46.6%) pregnant women had multiple valvular disorder. The most common clinical symptom was shortness of breath (93.6%), followed by palpitation (30%). In Chest X-ray, the most common finding was cardiomegaly in 20 (66.6%) pregnant women. In ECG, the most common finding was left ventricular enlargement (36.6%), Left Axis Deviation in 11 (36.6%) followed by left atrial enlargement (30%).

Conclusion: Valvular disorders are not uncommon in pregnant women in Pakistan. Women with risk factors should be identified and should have periodically screening of symptoms to diagnosis valvular heart disease during pregnancy at early stage. Cardiologists should be involved in the management of these patients.