Reversal of IFN-gamma, oxLDL and prolactin serum levels correlate with clinical improvement in patients with peripartum cardiomyopathy.

Aim: Peripartum cardiomyopathy (PPCM) is characterized by acute onset of heart failure of unknown aetiology. We aimed to identify mechanisms involved in initiation and progression of the disease.

Methods And Results: Serum markers related to cardiac function, apoptosis, oxidative stress, remodelling, inflammation and the nursing hormone prolactin were analyzed in PPCM patients and healthy controls.