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Dr. Uri Elkayam to Deliver Sixth HJC Swan Memorial Lecture at Opening of International Academy of Cardiology, 17th World Congress on Heart Disease, Scientific Sessions 2012
Asher Kimchi, M.D., Founder and Chairman of the International Academy of Cardiology, today announced the selection of Uri Elkayam, M.D., Professor of Medicine and Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Southern California, Keck School of Medicine, Los Angeles, California, USA, to deliver the sixth H.J.C. Swan Memorial Lecture at the Opening Ceremony of the International Academy of Cardiology, 17th World Congress on Heart Disease Annual Scientific Sessions 2012 to be held in Toronto, ON, Canada, from Friday, July 27 through Monday, July 30, 2012.
Dr. Elkayam will present on the topic of “Peripartum Cardiomyopathy (PPCM): New Concepts in Pathophysiology and Management.” PPCM is a pregnancy-associated cardiomyopathy developed in young and healthy women presenting with heart failure symptoms secondary to decreased left ventricular systolic function. This condition can be associated with severe complications and is a leading cause of mortality related to pregnancy. The cause of PPCM is still unknown and various potential etiologies have been suggested but not proven. Recent research in both humans and animals has provided exciting information on possible mechanisms and new potential therapy. The findings of elevated pro-inflammatory and pro-apoptotic serum in patients with PPCM led to the use of the anti inflammatory, anti apoptotic agent pentoxifilline with impressive positive effect on outcome. A recent pilot study and other clinical observations in humans have demonstrated a significant improvement in outcome, including symptoms, recovery of LV function and survival in PPCM patients receiving bromocriptin compared to standard heart failure therapy alone. MORE»