Pregnancy following heart transplantation: A single center case series and review of the literature
Heart, Lung, and Circulation Nov 11, 2020
Boyle S, Mew TSH, Lust K, et al. - Researchers sought to summarize five pregnancies in three cardiac transplant recipients who were managed between a tertiary center for obstetric medicine and an associated state-wide transplant center between 2014-2018, and to provide a narrative review of the literature. All patients were provided pre-conception counselling. No recent rejection episodes with good baseline cardiac function were reported for all patients. Median time of 5 years (range 2-14 yrs) was reported between transplantation and pregnancy. Modified immunosuppressant regimens and multidisciplinary care were used for managing all women. No maternal or fetal deaths as well as no evidence of graft rejection and deterioration in cardiac function were reported. Increase in tacrolimus doses was done to maintain therapeutic targets. Gestational diabetes occurred in three women and cholestasis of pregnancy occurred in one. Each infant was delivered by vaginal delivery. Per findings, pregnancy confers risk to the mother and fetus in transplant recipients. For avoiding rejection and possible teratogenic complications, they emphasize undertaking pre-conception counselling, immunosuppressant tailoring and regular monitoring to be of paramount importance. Specialist multidisciplinary care can allow achieving favourable pregnancy outcomes in this population.
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