Pregnancy and pulmonary artery hypertension: Management challenges

Abstract

Pulmonary hypertension (PH) is a term used to describe a complex heterogenous group of conditions defined by a mean pulmonary arterial pressure of more than 20 mmHg at rest on right-heart catheterization. PH in pregnancy is associated with high rates of maternal morbidity and mortality and poor fetal outcomes. Currently, pregnancy in these women is classified as modified WHO class IV (pregnancy contraindicated). More recent data suggest that the prognosis varies with the underlying aetiology as well as with PH severity. Consequently, management during pregnancy must be individualised, with patients cared for in a tertiary unit as part of an experienced multidisciplinary team. In this article, we will discuss the importance of preconception counselling, the impact of the haemodynamic changes induced by pregnancy, the maternal and fetal risks of pregnancy in women with PH, and how these can be minimised by close antenatal, intrapartum and post-partum care and the development of individualised pregnancy plans.

Keywords

• Pulmonary artery hypertension
• Pregnancy
• Preconception counselling
• Contraception
• Heart failure
• Management