Paxil Injuries – Fetal Heart Defects

FDA Warns Pregnant Women of Paxil Injuries Like Fetal Heart Defects

Fetal heart defects are congenital conditions that vary from simple defects such as pulmonary stenosis to life-threatening defects like hypoplastic left heart syndrome. Treatment for fetal heart defects typically involves one or more surgeries that can leave the parents of the infant with numerous and costly medical bills and can lead to future heart and medical problems for the child upon reaching adulthood. Many of the more severe fetal heart defects enable blood from one side of the heart to improperly flow to the other side of the heart, creating an imbalanced pressure on the other side of the heart that could ultimately lead to poor blood oxygenation or even heart failure.

Paxil Injuries

Paxil Injuries are the result of Paxil consumption during pregnancy. Recent findings have linked fetal heart defects to the things a pregnant woman consumes during gestation. Several fetal heart defects have been linked to use of the antidepressant drug Paxil during pregnancy. Currently, law suits are being filed against the pharmaceutical company GlaxoSmithKline for Paxil related fetal heart defects. Fetal heart defects like atrial septal defect, Tetralogy of Fallot, VSD heart defect, and even Persistent Pulmonary Hypertension of the Newborn (PPHN). Mothers who took Paxil during pregnancy whose children developed fetal heart defects should seek an attorney to discuss a potential law suit for Paxil-related fetal heart defects.

Pulmonary Stenosis

Pulmonary Stenosis is a congenital heart defect characterized by a heart valve that is too thick or has fused shut, slowing or preventing the flow of blood from the heart through the pulmonary artery into the lungs. This constriction on blood flow causes the affected ventricle to pump even harder in order to supply the lungs with enough blood for oxygenation. Mild Pulmonary Stenosis may go unnoticed a child’s entire life. However, more severe cases of Pulmonary Stenosis require the insertion of a balloon catheter which is used to temporarily open the obstruction and relieve unbalanced pressure.

Other treatment for Pulmonary Stenosis includes pulmonary valve replacement, a surgery with a high success rate in recent years. These surgeries introduce other risks such as endocarditis (infection in the blood stream) and precautions in the form of antibiotic treatments must be taken when the child undergoes dental procedures and other minor operations. Prevention methods of Pulmonary Stenosis are unknown. However, a link between mothers who take the drug Paxil during pregnancy and Pulmonary Stenosis has arisen recently. Mothers who used Paxil while carrying a child who was later born with Pulmonary Stenosis should contact a lawyer about a possible Paxil lawsuit.

Atrial Septal Defect

Atrial Septal Defect (ASD) has been linked to Paxil use during pregnancy. Atrial Septal Defect is an opening in the wall that normally separates the chambers of the upper heart (known as the atria). This congenital defect causes blood to flow from the left to right atria (chamber), resulting in excess pressure on the lungs and right atria. This opening is sometimes called a “shunt,” and large shunts tend to cause the greatest threat to the patient. Atrial Septal Defect increases the risk of other complications such as stroke, pulmonary hypertension, adult atrial fibrillation, and heart failure.

Smaller Atrial Septal Defects are not always detected at birth, and their symptoms can manifest later in the child’s life in the form of strong palpitations (uncomfortable sensation of feeling one’s heart beating), breathing difficulty, and chronic respiratory infections. While the smallest Atrial Septal Defects may never require treatment, larger shunts with more severe symptoms require a procedure in which an “ASD closure device” is inserted through an incision in the groin and up a blood vessel into the heart, where it is placed as a plug in the defective atrial wall. However, this procedure is not possible for all patients.

Large Atrial Septal Defects have long term dangers and complications. Arrhythmia, stroke, and other disabling symptoms can become onset early. Contact an attorney if you took Paxil during pregnancy and have concerns about your child’s Atrial Septal Defects.

Paxil Injuries Lawsuit

The Stenger Law Firm, LLC is currently filing Paxil Injuries Lawsuits on behalf of families whose children currently suffer or have suffered from any of the above mentioned injuries or death due to Paxil. Our firm can provide a free case evaluation to potentially file a Paxil Injuries Lawsuit. Call The Stenger Law Firm, LLC at our toll free number today: (888) 665-0077.

Please provide as much information as possible about your case. If you do not provide adequate case information, including injuries or damages sustained it may take us longer to process your inquiry.

There is no charge for this Paxil evaluation.