Is African descent an independent risk factor of peripartum cardiomyopathy?

Int J Cardiol. 2010 Nov 5;145(1):93-4. doi: 10.1016/j.ijcard.2009.05.042. Epub 2009 Jun 18.

Abstract

Risk factors for peripartum cardiomyopathy (PPCM) are controversial. PPCM seems to be more prevalent in women of African descent, the highest observed incidence is in Haiti (1 per 300 live births). Our retrospective study conducted in Martinique showed an incidence of 1 per 5500 live births. This incidence is significantly lower than in Haiti. Women from Martinique and Haiti do not differ for most classical risk factors: African descent, age, pregnancy-associated hypertension, multiple pregnancy and pre-eclampsia. However, the parity rate and the socioeconomic level are different. Thus, African descent could be confounded by high parity rate and socioeconomic status.

Publication types

  • Comparative Study
  • Letter
  • Comment

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Adult
  • Black People / ethnology*
  • Black People / genetics
  • Cardiomyopathies / economics
  • Cardiomyopathies / ethnology*
  • Cardiomyopathies / genetics
  • Cohort Studies
  • Female
  • Haiti / ethnology
  • Humans
  • Martinique / ethnology
  • Middle Aged
  • Pregnancy
  • Pregnancy Complications, Cardiovascular / economics
  • Pregnancy Complications, Cardiovascular / ethnology
  • Pregnancy Complications, Cardiovascular / genetics
  • Puerperal Disorders / economics
  • Puerperal Disorders / ethnology*
  • Puerperal Disorders / genetics
  • Retrospective Studies
  • Risk Factors
  • Socioeconomic Factors
  • Young Adult