What is Ebstein’s Anomaly?
Ebstein Anomaly, also called Ebstein’s Malformation, is one type of unusual congenital defect. In Ebstein’s Anomaly, the wall that is supposed to separate the upper portion of the heart from the rest of the heart fails to seal/close up fully, as is typical in a normal, fully formed heart. This lack of full cardiac maturation makes it impossible for a newborn’s heart to pump blood at full capacity. Sufferers of Ebstein’s malformation may experience blood leakage back into the right atrium, which results in the enlargement of the heart chambers on the right side. As they enlarge, the heart chambers grow weak, which leads to irregular heartbeats, weakness, and potentially even heart breakdown and stroke.
While mild cases of this congenital heart deformity only necessitate the cautious monitoring by a cardiologist, cases ranging from moderate to more severe may require invasive and potentially risky heart surgery. Ebstein Malformation (Ebstein Anomaly) is one of many possible birth defects present in children whose Mothers took an SSRI antidepressant such as Lexapro while pregnant. Other antidepressants that can potentially lead to birth defects include: Zoloft, Celexa, Paxil, and Prozac.
Lexapro Ebstein’s Anomaly Symptoms
Less severe cases of Ebstein’s anomaly might not exhibit symptoms until the patient enters adulthood. Some of the potential symptoms of Lexapro Ebstein’s Anomaly may be:
- Cardiac palpitations or irregular heart rhythms
- Exhaustion/Low Energy
- Difficulty breathing
- Leg puffiness
- A bluish tint of the lips and skin caused by low levels oxygen in the blood
Causes of Ebstein’s Anomaly – Lexapro Use During Pregnancy
As a rule, Ebstein’s anomaly arises due to inadequate maturation of the heart during the fetal period. In many cases concurrent heart abnormalities are also present at birth in babies born with Epstein’s anomaly. The prescription of selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) such as Lexapro, Zoloft, Prozac, Paxil, or Celexa in the duration of a pregnancy may notably augment the risk of heart birth defects, including Epstein’s anomaly.
Lexapro Ebstein’s Anomaly Lawsuit: Speak to an Attorney
If your child has Ebstein’s anomaly or any other congenital birth defects and Lexapro (or other SSRI including Zoloft, Prozac, Paxil or Celexa) was taken at any point in the duration of the pregnancy, call the Willis Law Firm today. When you call, we will review your potential Lexapro Birth Defects Lawsuit and evaluate the potential for you to recover financial compensation for your associated hardships. You and your family may have legal entitlement to fiscal recompense for the damages and injuries resulting from antidepressant Birth Defects. Call 1-800-883-9858 or fill out the form on the right to share your situation with a Top Peer Rated Trial Lawyer Licensed in both Texas and New York.