[Heart transplantations: impact on female fertility]

Abstract

Improvements in the management of patients with cardiac transplantation make it possible for these patients in the child-bearing age to expect a pregnancy. In fact, since 1987, several cases of pregnancy after cardiac transplantation have been reported. We report here two cases of successful pregnancy two years after cardiac transplantation. First Case. Pregnancy was uneventful until 36 weeks of gestation with no evidence of transplant rejection. At 38 weeks of gestation, a cesarean section was performed for increasing blood pressure, cholestatic pruritus and cephalopelvic disproportion. Cesarean section was performed under regional anesthesia and a healthy baby boy of 2680 gr was delivered. The patient was discharged one week after. Eighteen months after, both the mother and the baby are in good condition. Second case. Pregnancy was complicated by severe maternal anemia and fetal hypotrophia. Because of increasing renal insufficiency and pre eclampsia, a cesarean section was performed under regional anesthesia at 36 weeks of gestation. Delivery of a healthy baby girl of 1700 g. Five other cases have been reported. Cesarean section performed in september 1984 for a patient who underwent cardiac transplantation in 1980. Delivery of a healthy baby of 3280 gr. Death of the mother five months after following heart transplant rejection. Vaginal delivery performed in august 1986 for a patient who underwent cardiac transplantation in 1984. Delivery of a preterm baby at 31 weeks of gestation who survived without any sequelae. Vaginal delivery performed in august 1987 for a patient who underwent cardiac transplantation in april 1985. Delivery of a healthy baby of 2550 gr at 38 weeks of gestation. Vaginal delivery of twins (baby girl of 1200 and 1100 gr) in april 1988 of a patient who underwent cardiac transplantation in 1986. Vaginal delivery at 38 weeks of gestation performed in november 1990 for a patient who underwent cardiac transplantation in 1986. All the cases reported showed that: The foetus is not affected by the immuno-suppressive treatment of the mother. This was already known for pregnant patients with renal transplant. The cardiovascular changes associated with pregnancy are well tolerated by the heart transplant. Preexisting hypertension is increased, particularly during the third trimester of pregnancy and during labour. The incidence of preterm labor is increased in patients with heart transplant. Transplant rejection never occurred during pregnancy.