Bromocriptine in the Treatment of Peripartum Cardiomyopathy
Status:
Recruiting
Trial end date:
2023-01-01
Target enrollment:
Participant gender:
Summary
Peripartum cardiomyopathy (PPCM) is a rare, but significant heart disease affecting young
women in the puerperal period. Thus far, no specific treatment has been approved to treat
this disease. PPCM has a wide spectrum of clinical manifestations ranging from mild heart
failure to severe cardiomyopathy, cardiogenic shock and death. A significant proportion of
survivors have persistent chronic heart failure leading to disabling symptoms and decreased
quality of life.
Animal studies have suggested that prolactin is central to the development of PPCM. Prolactin
has pro-inflammatory and anti-angiogenic effects that may promote PPCM. Bromocriptine, a
central dopamine agonist known to decrease prolactin levels, might thwart its deleterious
effects in women suffering from PPCM. Following this rationale, bromocriptine should improve
myocardial function in women suffering from PPCM and thus, improve cardiovascular outcomes
and healthcare outcomes.