Pregnancy and uncomplicated vaginal delivery only 13 months after cardiac transplantation (case report)

Summary Background Pregnancy is prossible in female patients who underwent cardiac transplantation but is associated with unpredictable risks. Methods A 23-year old female patient underwent cardiac transplantation because of dilatative cardiomyopathy. Results Against our advice, she became pregnant 4 months after transplantation. Following an uneventful pregnancy, spontaneous vaginal delivery occurred 13 months after transplantation. The patient gave birth to a healthy new-born in good physical condition. Thereafter, the patient refused to attend any further routine follow-up control. 9 months after delivery, the patient was admitted to hospital in severe cardiac shock. Biopsy showed a serious, acute rejection which was treated with a course of methylprednisolone. Clinically, the patient recovered within 1 week, but died from acute myocardial infarction 1 day after discharge from hospital. Conclusions Only women without a history of rejection episodes, with good kidney function, good graft function, and high compliance should be counselled to become pregnant.