Macdonald Dick

Great show but the episode on 2/21/2019 contained false information. Deac’s new baby was said to have a patent ductus areterisus, a common condition in newborns (esp premature infants) as it is a vital fetal structure. Although the show conveyed the idea that this is a very serious condition it very rarely is. Certainly rarely in a full term infant as it usually closes spontaneously. The whole false drama was compounded by Deac’ s misplaced pride and then undermined by proposing a preposterous remedy - a shunt - which would have increased the pathphysiology of the ductus ( if there was truly a negative impact). The correct treatment would have been to watch it, and legate it by surgery or coil in by trancatheter technique (after 2-3 years) if it truly was causing issues. A “silent” ducutus ( cannot hear it with a stethoscope) does usually it usually does not require treatment, though that may vary by center. In addition in most states a child with congenital heart disease is covered by Medicaid or other programs if unable to cover expenses. So Deac’s concern was overwrought and misdirected. Finally there are many pediatric cardiologists in the LA area, some at prestigious institutions such as UCLA medical center and LA Children’s Hospital. These individuals could have provided intelligent consultation. There are many serious heart defects that the writers could have chosen and would have provided a more realist story. Transposition of the great arteries would have been a good choice as it is truly a life- threatening defect and requires prompt surgery which is corrective. Literary license is great but not in excess. Cheers. Mac