Recent medical research demonstrates an association between taking selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) antidepressants while pregnant and an increased risk of having a baby born with a congenital heart defect. The studies suggest that when taken during pregnancy, these prescription medications affect the messages sent to the fetus regarding heart development, which begins to take place quickly after conception, often before a woman is even aware that she is pregnant. One of these SSRIs, Zoloft, has been linked to the congenital heart defect of Hypoplastic Left Heart Syndrome (HLHS) and many women have chosen to file lawsuits against the pharmaceutical company that produces this potentially harmful medication.
Zoloft Hypoplastic Left Heart Syndrome
When a child is born with Zoloft Hypoplastic Left Heart Syndrome, the left side of the heart will be severely underdeveloped and the right side of the heart will be overworked trying to compensate. This type of congenital heart defect can affect several different pieces of the left side of the heart including the left ventricle, aorta, mitral valve, and the aortic valve. In HLHS, the left heart is inadequate to perform its duty of sending blood throughout the rest of the body, and the right side of the heart will eventually fail in trying to perform this operation.
Zoloft HLHS Complications and Treatment
A baby with Zoloft Hypoplastic Left Heart Syndrome may take a few days to show symptoms, but will eventually exhibit one or more of the following: Cyanosis (skin with a bluish tint), sluggishness, poor eating habits, and difficulty breathing. Upon diagnosis, the infant will need to have its breathing stabilized before undergoing a series of surgical procedures that could span the first three years of its life. In some cases, Zoloft HLHS patients will need further surgeries in early adulthood. The complications that come from Hypoplastic Left Heart Syndrome are equally distressing and range in severity from chronic diarrhea to heart failure, stroke, and sudden death.
Hypoplastic Left Heart Syndrome Lawsuit: Zoloft Attorney
If your child was born with HLHS or other birth defect and the mother was prescribed an antidepressant at any time during the pregnancy, call the Willis Law Firm today. Our firm of talented Zoloft lawyers are ready to speak to you and help you evaluate your legal options. A Zoloft HLHS lawsuit can help to protect the financial security of you and your family as your child undergoes this difficult situation. The Willis Law Firm is currently accepting antidepressant lawsuits on a national scale; all Zoloft cases are accepted on a contingency fee basis. Get help today.