PREVALENCE OF CARDIAC DISEASES

DURING PREGNANCY AND ITS FETO-MATERNAL OUTCOME

Abstract

Objectives: The objective of this study was to find the prevalence of cardiac
disease among pregnant females and its impact on feto-maternal outcome. Study Design:
Descriptive case series. Setting: Cardiology department Gulab Devi Chest Hospital Lahore
Duration: April 2013 to April 2014. Patients & Methods: All pregnant females with cardiac
disease at any gestation with booked or un-booked statutes were included in this study. Patients
were admitted for thorough evaluation and investigations. Labor was monitored intensively. Data
regarding maternal outcomes were noted down on pre-formed questionnaire. Intra partum and
postpartum details were also noted down along with fetal outcome. The results were analyzed
using SPSS version 16.0.. Results: The total number of females presented with cardiac disease
was 2650, out of which only 35 women were reported as pregnant. The duration of pregnancy
at the time of presentation was as follows: 05 (14.2%) females presented in first trimester, 20
(57.1%) in second trimester, 08 (22.8%) in third trimester and 02 (5.7%) patients presented in
postpartum period. There were 08 (22.8%) patients who had preterm labor. In terms of fetal
outcome 04 babies had birth weight of less than 1.5 kg, 12 had 1.5-2.0 kg, 15 were in range
of 2-2.5 kg and 04 were more than 2.5 kg. 27 (77.1%) were term and 08 (22.8%) were preterm
babies. Cleft lip and atrial septal defect were the only two identified congenital anomalies.
Conclusion: The overall prevalence of cardiac diseases during pregnancy was found to be
1.3% in this study. Most common affected age group was of 20-25 years. Most common cardiac
disease found in our patient was mitral stenosis. 02 pregnancies ended in intrauterine fetal
death. 08 babies were born preterm. Cleft lip and atrial septal defect were the only two identified
congenital anomalies in newborn delivered by our pregnant patients. Every effort should made
to create awareness regarding pre-pregnancy counseling, so that associated fetal and maternal
morbidity can be reduced.