Abstract 4143844: Multidisciplinary management of a pregnant patient with advanced systolic heart failure

A 35-year-old gravida 1, para 0 with biventricular heart failure (LVEF 25%), nonischemic cardiomyopathy, history stroke, history of left ventricular thrombus, class III obesity, and chronic kidney disease who had been followed by Cardio-Obstetrics throughout her pregnancy presented at 34 weeks gestation for planned induction of labor. Upon presentation, she underwent assessment with a pulmonary artery catheter (PAC) and was noted to be in cardiogenic shock with elevated biventricular filling pressures and low cardiac index necessitating hemodynamic stabilization followed by primary cesarean section. The patient was admitted to the cardiac ICU for medical optimization prior to delivery. Home medications including isosorbide dinitrate, metoprolol, and hydralazine were continued. The patient was briefly placed on inotropic support with dobutamine, which was discontinued due to ectopy. After PAC-guided IV diuresis, anticoagulation transition from enoxaparin to heparin, and twice daily fetal monitoring via non-stress test, a multidisciplinary team, including cardiology, maternal fetal medicine, cardiac anesthesia, and cardiothoracic surgery assembled for the C-section. Following pre-delivery cannulation for potential ECMO support, the patient underwent C-section and elective salpingectomy under epidural anesthesia with delivery of a healthy neonate. Post-delivery, the patient was monitored in the ICU, focusing on fluid management, anticoagulation transition to warfarin, and titration of heart failure medications, as the patient did not plan to breastfeed. After discharge, she was scheduled for a 2-week postpartum visit including echocardiogram, EKG, and NT-proBNP. Discussion: Given the patient's acute decompensation and fluid overload, medical optimization was essential prior to delivery. However, stabilization was expected to be temporary due to ongoing physiologic changes of pregnancy. Her limited mobility and concern for multiorgan compromise, such as new oxygen dependency and rising creatinine, made a prolonged induction of labor unfeasible. Due to concern for maternal intolerance of labor, unstable fetal lie, fetal distress due to decreased perfusion, and an increased likelihood of emergency C-section, a primary C-section was recommended as a safer option. The successful delivery of a healthy neonate and post-operative maternal stabilization highlights the importance of a multidisciplinary approach in managing complex cardio-obstetric cases.