[Preterm labor and IUGR rates in patients with cardiac anomalies in the material of the Pregnancy Pathology Unit at the Jagiellonian University OB/GYN Department between 1986-1999].

Introduction: Advance in medicine in general caused more and more women with cardiac defects reach reproductive age.

Aim: Analysis of kind and advance of cardiac disease influence on preterm labour and IUGR rates.

Material And Methods: A prospective study on 232 pregnant patients with cardiac malformations, who were hospitalised in Pathology of Pregnancy Unit of OB./ GYN Jagiellonian University Clinic was performed between 1986-1999. Acquired data were compared with results obtained from control group of 424 pregnant patients with physiological course of pregnancy.

Results: Results prove of shorter pregnancy duration in patients with higher NYHA classes. Preterm labour rate in patients of NYHA III and IV equals to 31.15% and is 3 times higher than in control group. Patients of NYHA I and II revealed comparable gestational age with control group.

Conclusions: Worse obstetric outcome is characteristic for 3rd and 4th NYHA classes. Intrauterine growth retardation in patients with cardiac malformations occurs after 34 week of pregnancy.