Severe cerebral accidents postpartum in patients taking bromocriptine for milk suppression.

Abstract

We report three recent cases of severe acute cerebral accident which occurred in the puerperium in women who received bromocriptine for milk suppression. Two patients experienced mild pregnancy-induced hypertension antepartum. Marked blood pressure elevation, above that which had prevailed previously, occurred postpartum in each case. The cerebral accidents manifested between the 6th and 14th days of the puerperium, the typical time for the occurrence of severe side effects from bromocriptine. These complications entailed lasting neurological sequelae in the three mothers who, based on their age, medical history and general state of health, were not significantly predisposed to cerebral accidents.