Acute papillary muscle infarction and rupture in the puerperium complicating Libman-Sacks endocarditis in a patient with systemic lupus erythematosus and antiphospholipid syndrome: a case report.

Background: Acute heart failure caused by severe mitral regurgitation (MR) due to papillary muscle rupture has been described in the puerperium by case reports; however, the majority of cases of papillary muscle rupture are caused by myocardial infarction. We describe papillary muscle rupture occurring in the postpartum period in a patient with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), antiphospholipid syndrome (APLS), and chronic Libman-Sacks endocarditis and explore the multifactorial nature of the papillary muscle infarction and rupture in the setting of postpartum fluid shifts, chronic myocardial injury from Libman-Sacks, and high thrombotic risk.

Case Summary: A 29-year-old woman presented with acute heart failure 2 weeks' postpartum and was found to have acute MR due to a flail leaflet caused by papillary muscle rupture.

Stratification of fertility potential according to cervical mucus symptoms: achieving pregnancy in fertile and infertile couples.

Women wishing to conceive are largely unaware of fertility symptoms at the time of ovulation. This study investigated the effectiveness of fertility-awareness in achieving pregnancy, particularly fertile mucus pattern, in the context of infertility. The 384 eligible participants were taken from consecutive women desiring pregnancy who attended 17 Australian Billings Ovulation Method clinics from 1999-2003.

Categorisation of foot complaints in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) from a New Zealand cohort.

Background: Foot complaints have been shown to be common in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) and heterogeneous in nature. We aimed to categorize self-reported foot complaints in people with SLE and foot symptoms.

Methods: A self-administered validated questionnaire was posted to 406 people with SLE attending adult rheumatology clinics across three health boards in Auckland, New Zealand.

The safety and efficacy of benzbromarone in gout in Aotearoa New Zealand.

Background: Benzbromarone is a potent uricosuric but is not widely available due to concerns about hepatotoxicity. In Aotearoa New Zealand, benzbromarone has been available since April 2013, subject to funding restrictions, for patients with inadequate urate-lowering response or intolerance to allopurinol and probenecid.

Aim: To assess the safety and efficacy of benzbromarone in a real-life setting.