What is Patent Ductus Arteriosis?
Patent ductus arteriosis (PDA) is a condition in which there is a persistent opening between two important blood vessels leading from the heart. Patent ductus arteriosis (PDA) is a congenital birth defect, meaning that it is present at the time of birth. If patent ductus arteriosis (PDA) is left untreated it may cause excess blood flow through the heart which may deteriorate the heart muscle and ultimately cause other complications such as heart failure.
Infants with a larger patent ductus arteriosis (PDA) frequently will have a hard time gaining weight, and may show other symptoms. An older child with patent ductus arteriosis (PDA) may not have as much energy or be as active as normal. They may also have recurrent lung infections.
Symptoms of Patent Ductus Arteriosis (PDA)
A large patent ductus arteriosis (PDA) may show signs of heart failure shortly after birth. A doctor may first notice the heart defect during a routine checkup while they listen to the infant’s heart through a stethoscope.Symptoms of a large patent ductus arteriosis (PDA) may include some or all of the following:
- Frequent lung infections
- A bluish or dusky skin tone
- Persistent fast breathing or breathlessness
- Poor eating, poor growth
- Sweating with crying or play
- Easy tiring
- Rapid heart rate
Causes of Patent Ductus Arteriosis – Use During Pregnancy
Patent ductus arteriosis (PDA) tends to occur during fetal growth when the infant’s heart is still developing. The use of SSRI antidepressants such as Zoloft, Paxil, Prozac, Celexa, or Lexapro during all or part of the pregnancy may significantly increase the risk of a congenital heart defect such as patent ductus arteriosis (PDA).
Patent Ductus Arteriosis – Antidepressant Lawsuit
If your child was born with patent ductus arteriosis (PDA) or other congenital heart defects and an antidepressant such as Zoloft, Prozac, Lexapro, Paxil or Celexa was taken during all or part of the pregnancy, then call now for a free consultation with an SSRI Antidepressant Lawyer. You and your child may have a legal right to monetary compensation for damages and injuries. Call 1-800-883-9858 or fill out the form on the right for your free legal consultation.