PPCM & Prognosis

[Erin]

Dr. Fett, I have a question regarding a statement in your thread (sticky) titled, "Understanding PPCM." Under the heading "Prognosis" it says:

"Newer, effective treatments have progressively improved both survival (95% or more) and full recovery of heart function (over 50 %)."

When I read this the first time, I thought "over 50 %" was referring to EF in order to clarify what "recovery of heart function" means. I just read it again and now I'm wondering if "over 50 %" refers to the statistic of women who reach full recovery?

Would you please clarify for me? Thanks!

[JAMESFETT]

thanks for the question, and sorry not to have made that more clear. I'll go back and edit that point.

I meant to say that over 50 % of women diagnosed with PPCM are now reaching normal heart function (normal heart function means LV EF > 50 %) with effective treatment of BB and ACE-I. Recently, the U Pitt group reported 67 % of women with PPCM had recovered normal heart function. I'm convinced we'll see even better results emerging.

Thanks again.

JD