What is Hypoplastic Left Heart Syndrome (HLHS)?
Hypoplastic Left Heart Syndrome (HLHS) is a rare type of congenital heart condition, meaning that it is present at the time of birth. When some parts on the left side of the heart fail to completely develop during a pregnancy, HLHS occurs. The parts of the heart that may be affected include: left ventricle, aorta, mitral valve, and the aortic valve. HLHS is more prevalent in males than in females, and somewhere around 10% of infants born with this condition will also have other congenital defects. Typically with congenital heart disease, the exact cause cannot be pinpointed. However, medical research suggests that there is a potentially causal link between SSRI medication, like Lexapro, taken during pregnancy and an elevated risk of heart defects at birth, including Hypoplastic Left Heart Syndrome.
Hypoplastic Left Heart Syndrome Symptoms (HLHS Symptoms)
When a child is born with hypoplastic left heart syndrome, they may appear to be completely normal. However, symptoms will typically develop during the first several hours of life, although it can take a few days in some cases. The most frequently recorded HLHS Symptoms include:
- Cyanosis (Skin discoloration, often blueish)
- Weak Pulse
- Cold Extremities (Hands and Feet)
- Rapid Heart Beat
- Shallow Breathing
- Fatigue
- Death (If left untreated)
Lexapro Hypoplastic Left Heart Syndrome Lawsuit
Hypoplastic Left Heart Syndrome, or HLHS, is one of several congenital heart defects that has been linked to the maternal use of Lexapro (and other antidepressant medications) during fetal development. Although the research regarding these claims is fairly new and still undergoing development, some studies suggest that SSRI use during pregnancy increases the risk of birth defects by somewhere between two and four times the rate without SSRI use. Additional antidepressant medications that are associated with this heightened risk of HLHS (and other birth defects) include: Zoloft, Paxil, Prozac, Celexa, and others. Many women who have children born with these defects do not feel that they were adequately warned of these horrendous possibilities and have proceeded to file lawsuits against the makers of these prescription medications.
Lexapro Hypoplastic Left Heart Syndrome Lawyer
If your child was born with Hypoplastic Left Heart Syndrome (or other congenital heart or birth defect) and the mother took Lexapro (or other SSRI) during any part of the pregnancy, call the Willis Law Firm today. You and your child may be legally entitled to financial compensation for the financial, physical, and emotional damages experienced as a result of this condition. Call today to have your case evaluated for free by a Texas and New York board certified attorney with the highest peer review rating.