Commissurotomy and pregnancy: A study of 245 cases

We present a retrospective study of 245 pregnancies in 157 women who had undergone commissurotomy (closed surgery) and whose delivery was assisted at the Maternity La Paz (Madrid, Spain) between 1965 and 1981. There was a statistically significant increase in the rate of fetal complications (perinatal mortality, 44.3 per 1000; preterm 8.5%; intra-uterine growth retardation, 17.3%; low weight, 12.5%) and maternal mortality. The most frequent and severe maternal complication was congestive heart failure which was more common among primigravidas and was of statistical significance. In patients with atrial fibrillation or heart failure during pregnancy or puerperium, the results were even more remarkable. There were no complications in patients who underwent commissurotomy during pregnancy. Preterm delivery was three times more common in patients undergoing digitalis therapy.