A Comprehensive Systematic Review of the Association Between Peripartum Cardiomyopathy and a History of Tuberculosis

Abstract

Background: Peripartum cardiomyopathy (PPCM) is a rare but severe condition occurring in approximately 1 in 1,300 to 1 in 5,000 births, with higher prevalence in underdeveloped regions. Risk factors for PPCM include pre-eclampsia, chronic hypertension, smoking, alcohol use, advanced maternal age, malnutrition, prolonged tocolysis, and a history of tuberculosis. Methods: Adhering to PRISMA 2020 guidelines, this systematic review focused on full-text English-language articles published from 2007 to 2024. Result: The review examined over 1,800 publications from reputable databases such as ScienceDirect, SagePub, and PubMed. Eight studies were selected for detailed analysis, resulting in a thorough evaluation of the existing literature. Conclusion: PPCM, a potentially life-threatening condition, often emerges during pregnancy and is frequently diagnosed post-delivery due to its symptoms overlapping with normal pregnancy changes. Tuberculosis, a significant cause of maternal and fetal morbidity, complicates the clinical picture, often resulting in delayed diagnosis. Effective management requires enhanced coordination between healthcare providers and community services to address these challenges.