Research Study: Now Recruiting Women with current, or history of, Severe Peripartum Cardiomyopathy (very weak heart muscle due to pregnancy)

Purpose: This study is being conducted in order to help understand what helps women recover from severe heart failure.

Specifically, we want to understand what helps women who are diagnosed with peripartum cardiomyopathy complicated by cardiogenic shock (very severe heart failure symptoms) at the time of their diagnosis.

Women who needed mechanical circulatory support (temporary devices to help the heart muscle pump) will be compared to women who did not receive mechanical circulatory support.

Eligibility:  You may be eligible to participate in this study if:

  • You are 18 years of age or older
  • You have been diagnosed with Peripartum Cardiomyopathy (PPCM)
  • You were treated for very severe heart failure symptoms at the time you were diagnosed with Peripartum Cardiomyopathy (PPCM)
  • You are a citizen of the United States

Examples of treatment you may have received in the past for very severe heart failure symptoms:

  • Breathing tube (intubation) required to help you breathe
  • IV medicine to try to help your heart pump better
  • IV medicine to try to increase low blood pressure
  • Insertion of a temporary device to help your heart pump better

What to expect:

Participation in this study will involve gathering your medical history from you as well as by reviewing records from the hospitals and clinics involved in your care.

Individuals interested in additional information may contact Mary Wexler BS, RT (R), CVT the research coordinator at the Medical College of Wisconsin. Contact information: mwexler@mcw.edu or 414-955-6741.

Research was made possible by a research award provided by Abiomed Inc.

This research study announcement is for informational purposes only and does not indicate PCA endorsement of this study.