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Zoloft, Celexa, Wellbutrin & Antidepressants Birth Defects
- Issue: Birth defects in infants
What is Persistent Pulmonary Hypertension in Newborns (PPHN): Concise Definition
Persistent pulmonary hypertension in newborns (PPHN) is a rare, life-threatening disease that has been linked to the use of anti-depressant medications during pregnancy.
The Fetal Circulation System
With respect to a fetus, the placenta, supplied with blood by the umbilical vein, provides for gas and metabolite exchange. As the lungs are not needed for gas exchange, the vessels in the pulmonary circulation are vasoconstricted. The cardiovascular structures required by the fetus for maintaining this parallel circulation are the ductus venosus [in the inferior vena cava], foramen ovale [between the right and left atria] and ductus arteriosus [in the ascending aorta].
How the Infant Pulmonary Circulation System Works
At birth, the mechanical expansion of the lungs and an increase in arterial oxygen results in a rapid decrease in pulmonary vascular resistance [the lungs are no longer as vasoconstricted]. The blood from the right ventricle now flows entirely into the pulmonary circuit to be oxygenated and, because the pulmonary pressure is lower than the systemic pressure, the ductus arteriosus reverses, becoming left to right, eventually closing.
The removal of the placenta from the circulation, results in the closure of the ductus venosus, by removing this low pressure system. The increased volume of pulmonary flow returning to the left atrium increases left atrial volume. This increase of pressure, along with the effects of low oxygen tension is sufficient to close the foramen ovale.
Complications in the Infant Circulatory System: PPHN
In some cases, however, high pulmonary pressures remain; and these elevated pressures keep the foramen ovale and or the ductus arterosis open, causing poor pulmonary blood flow and desaturated blood [blood that has not been oxygenated] to return to the systemic circulation. This condition is known as Persistent Pulmonary Hypertension in Newborns (PPHN). It can lead to respiratory failure of the baby.
Despite treatment, 10 to 20 percent of newborns with persistent pulmonary hypertension of the newborn will not survive.
Contact Lieff Cabraser
Parents of a baby with pulmonary hypertension or heart defects may be eligible to file a claim against the manufacturer of any drugs for depression prescribed during pregnancy for failing to adequately disclose the risk of adverse side effects.
Please click here to contact an attorney at Lieff Cabraser to discuss your legal rights at no cost or obligation. We handle all inquiries with the strictest confidentiality and sensitivity. Alternatively, you may call us toll-free at 1-800-541-7358 and ask to speak to attorney Heather Foster.
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Please click here to contact a personal injury attorney at Lieff Cabraser experienced in litigating cases involving prescription drugs that cause birth defects and other dangerous side effects. Or call us toll-free at 1 800.541.7358 and ask to speak to attorney Heather A. Foster. There is no charge or obligation for our review of the injuries your child suffered. We will promptly review your case and advise you of your legal rights.
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