Many women whose babies have been born with birth defects have looked into the possibility of filing a Paxil birth defect lawsuit. Cases are currently being filed by individual families and there has not been any Paxil class action settlement. According to a Public Health Advisory issued by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) on December 8, 2005, prenatal use of Paxil increases the risk of congenital heart defects. This warning was based on information resulting from a Swedish study. Researchers found that pregnant women who take the antidepressant during their first trimester are far more likely to have babies who suffer from one or more heart problems.
The FDA notes that most common cardiac malformations are holes that develop in the wall separating the left and right sides of the heart. But there are many additional Paxil heart defects that may occur. We’ll describe the most serious among them below.
Atrial And Ventricular Septal Defects
The wall separating the two sides of the heart is called the septum. It prevents deoxygenated blood in the right side from mixing with oxygen-rich blood in the left side. The holes mentioned earlier are called atrial septal defects (ASDs) and ventricular septal defects (VSDs) to reflect the chambers between which the holes develop. The atria are positioned above the ventricles.
When a hole forms in the septum, blood from both sides is allowed to mix. In addition to shortness of breath and fluid buildup in the lungs, this problem can lead to several serious complications. These include pulmonary hypertension, endocarditis, and right-sided heart failure.
As noted, ASDs and VSDs are the most common Paxil heart birth defects. While small holes may be absent of symptoms, a large hole can be life-threatening.
Cardiomyopathy
Paxil, as well as other SSRI antidepressants, can also cause a baby’s heart to weaken. The heart becomes less capable of pumping blood effectively, both to her lungs and the rest of her body. This can cause breathing difficulties, abdominal bloating, an abnormally rapid heartbeat, and swelling in her lower extremities.
The condition can be treated with medications and surgery. In severe cases, if treatment is not given, the baby may suffer heart failure or cardiac arrest.
Hypoplastic Left And Right Heart Syndromes
These rare birth defects are defined by a lack of development in one side of the heart. The affected side becomes less able to pump blood. With hypoplastic left heart syndrome (HLHS), the left side is unable to pump sufficient oxygen-rich blood to the body. The right side is forced to maintain circulation. With hypoplastic right heart syndrome (HRHS), the right side is unable to pump enough blood to the lungs. As a result, the baby’s body receives too little oxygen.
Heart Valve Problems
The heart is equipped with valves that help regulate the flow of blood as it moves between the chambers; from the right side to the lungs; and from the left side to the aorta. These valves can become compromised as the result of early prenatal use of Paxil.
For example, a congenital defect known as a bicuspid aortic valve is an aortic valve that is missing one of its three leaflets. Tricuspid valve stenosis is a condition in which the opening of the valve is narrower than normal. A cleft mitral valve is a defect in which a slit in the opening allows regurgitation (back flow of blood). These problems are rarely fatal. However, without treatment, they can have a lasting effect on a baby’s life.
There are additional Paxil side effects in children that affect the heart, such as tetralogy of Fallot (a combination disorder involving four concurrent heart defects). The antidepressant can also cause congenital defects that impact other areas of the body, including the brain and abdomen. If your child is suffering from health problems that have resulted from Paxil birth defects, you may be eligible to file a Paxil lawsuit 2011 claim. Contact an experienced Paxil side effects attorney to discuss your options and the latest Paxil birth defect settlement news.
