In the present study we sought to review the medical treatment intended for acute PPCM. To this end, we performed a systematic review of the literature of randomized and nonrandomized prospective clinical studies.
We identified 2 randomized controlled trials that evaluated the dopamine agonist bromocriptine and the inotrope levosimendan, respectively, and 1 nonrandomized study that evaluated the nonselective phosphodiesterase inhibitor pentoxifylline. We reviewed the pathophysiological, pharmacological, and clinical properties for each treatment option identified. Bromocriptine and pentoxifylline both improved left ventricular systolic function and patient-oriented clinical end points and levosimendan did not improve mortality or echocardiographic findings of PPCM.
In this review we identified bromocriptine and pentoxifylline, but not levosimendan, as potentially useful agents to improve left ventricle function and outcomes in PPCM.