Perspective:

PPCM is a devastating diagnosis and associated with highly variable outcomes, from full recovery to heart transplantation or death. Previously, the most reliable predictor of recovery was the baseline EF. In this study, a clinical prediction tool using six variables is established. In this cohort, patients are more likely to recovery if they had a higher baseline EF, smaller LV diameter, narrow QRS, shorter duration of symptoms, pre-eclampsia, and live in a country with higher social and economic development. While several of these individual variables have previously been associated with LV recovery, this is the first clinical tool that combines them into a model that predicts recovery.

One important caveat to remember is that although many patients recover within 6 months, delayed recovery also occurs. When making clinical decisions such as timing of implantable cardioverter-defibrillator placement, the use of this tool should be considered helpful but not definitive. Overall, this is an exciting addition to the field of cardio-obstetrics.