Big risk...

[JAMESFETT]

It's a big risk if your cardologist is satisfied to treat with less than optimal treatment of heart failure in PPCM. Optimum treatment involves diuretics, ACE-inhibitors, and Beta-Blockers (from as early as tolerated), and continuing for long enough time to avoid relapse. That type of treatment is associated with the best outcomes in terms of survival and recovery of heart function. Don't be satisfied with less. For the ACE-I and B-B, it's always wise to "start low and go slow with increases."

JD

P.S. Why do I bring this topic up at this point? Because an attorney called me yesterday from Rockville, MD, asking me to serve as an expert witness in a liability case involving a patient who died from PPCM, had a late/missed diagnosis, and received sub-optimal treatment. The defense in the case cited the "very high mortality rates" in PPCM, looking at out-dated statistics, and not the modern extremely high survival rates that are being realized with the best heart failure treatment and earlier diagnosis. I declined his request, because I don't do medical-legal things, but I sure do try to promote information about the latest and best concerning PPCM

[SusanD]

Thanks again for the reminder, Dr.Fett. I know I am a rookie and I have so much to learn, but it is mind boggling to watch some healthcare providers (MD's, NPs and PAs collectively) continue to blatantly ignore published and accepted national guidelines for chronic diseases. I see this in clinical practice for my school rotations sometimes and it just leaves me with my jaw hanging.

I understand your reasons for not accepting legal cases, but sometimes I wish you would take one just to rock the medical world just a bit!! Hopefully you gave the attorney a nod in the right direction, eh ? The attorney would be shocked to meet the ladies here...most of whom are doing very well thankyouverymuch due to the CHF (ACE, BB, etc.) guidelines.

[JAMESFETT]

I appreciate your response. Yes, I did update the attorney on the articles that are helpful in appreciating what should be outcomes for PPCM, including those readily avalable to any doctor wanting to learn more, prior to the death of the PPCM patient involved.

JD