Balloon mitral valvuloplasty during pregnancy

Abstract

OBJECTIVES: Balloon mitral valvuloplasty (BMV) has been performed safely during pregnancy with good results. Reports are few on long-term effects of BMV on childhood development. METHODS: BMV was performed in 40 pregnant women (age 23.4+/-4.8 years) with severe mitral stenosis at 24.2+/-4.6 weeks of gestation. RESULTS: Mitral valve area increased from 0.82+/-0.34 to 1.9+/-0.4 cm(2) (P<0.001). One patient had pericardial tamponade. Mean fluoroscopy time was 5.5+/-3.8 min. There was no maternal death, no abortion, no intrauterine growth restriction and one stillbirth. All 39 babies were normal at birth. One baby died at 7 months due to pneumonia. On follow up for 36+/-15 months, all 38 babies maintained normal growth and development without any thyroid disease or malignancy. CONCLUSIONS: During pregnancy BMV is feasible, safe and effective. Maternal and fetal outcomes are excellent. Growth and milestone of development are not affected.