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  • Title: Influence of valve surgery on female fertility.
    Author: Rosen A, Klein M, Rosen H, Laczkovics A, Rokitansky A, Beck A.
    Journal: Gynecol Obstet Invest; 1992; 34(3):184-7. PubMed ID: 1427422.
    Abstract:
    Pregnancies following cardiac valve surgery represent a considerable maternal and fetal risk. The present paper is a report of 163 women in child-bearing age who underwent cardiac valve surgery. Congenital (14.7%) and acquired (85.3%) cardiac defects required a total of 72 alloplastic and 16 bioprosthetic valve implantations. In 69 patients, purely instrumental correction was performed, in 6 patients conduits were placed. Thirty-four pregnancies were observed and led to the delivery of 18 healthy infants. The birth weight was always in the 2-sigma normal range or slightly above. Three cesarean sections were performed due to the cardiac defect, in 6 patients vacuum extraction or forceps delivery was done, and in 9 patients delivery was spontaneous. We observed 4 cases of spontaneous abortion, and in 12 cases interruption of pregnancy. 75.1% women never became pregnant. Potential risks in terms of endocarditis, repeated valve implantation and anticoagulation are emphasized, methods to decrease the physical strain during delivery are discussed.
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