In order to assess the role of bromocriptine in management of peripartum cardiomyopathy (PPCM), we conducted a randomized study from April 1,
2010 to June 30, 2012. Patients randomized for standard heart failure therapy (Br-
) received heart failure conventional therapy and those randomized for
bromocriptine (Br+) received standard heart failure therapy plus bromocriptine 2.5 mg twice daily for 4 weeks. Clinical assessment, electrocardiogram, and
echocardiography were performed at baseline, 2 weeks, 1, 3, 6 and 12 months. Endpoints criteria were mortality, changes in dyspnea and evolution of
echocardiographic parameters: End diastole Left Ventricular Diameter, End Systole Left Ventricular Diameter, Left Ventricular Ejection Fraction and Tricuspid
Annular Plan Systolic Excursion (TAPSE).
Results: Ninety six (96) women were included for the study. There were no significant differences in baseline characteristics. The mean value of EDLVD was
58.7 mm in Br+ and 57.6 mm in Br- (p = 0.091) while the ESLVD was 48.4 mm in Br+ and 48.8 mm in Br- (p = 0.074). The mean LVEF was 37.2% in Br+ and
37.5% in Br- (p = 0.129) and the mean TAPSE was 19.9 mm in Br+ and 18.9 mm in Br- (p = 0.718). At Six months, cumulative death were stayed 8 (16.6%)
in Br+ but 14 (29.1 %) in Br- (p = 0.0001). Echocardiographic findings demonstrated better improvement in ventricles function in Br+. Mean EDLVD was 53.4
mm in Br+ and 55.1 mm in Br- (p = 0.002). The mean LVEF was 49.9% in Br+ and 40.9% in Br- (p = 0.001) and the mean TAPSE was 22.0 mm in Br+ and 20.7
mm in Br- (p = 0.001). At 12 months, mean LVEF was 53.9 % in Br+ and 45.9 % in Br- (p = 0.001) and mean TAPSE was 22.7 mm in Br+ and 20.9 mm in Br- (p
= 0.001). LVEF increased from 37.2% on admission to 49.9% at six months and to 53.9% at 12 months in Br+ while it increased from 37.5% on admission to
40.9% at six months and to 45.9% at 12 months in Br-
.