Persistent Pulmonary Hypertension

Dangerous Drugs Attorney for Mothers Using SSRIs

Two out of every thousand newborn infants suffer from persistent pulmonary hypertension. Also known as persistent fetal circulation, this condition is defined as the failure of the pulmonary vascular resistance to decrease after an infant is born. As a result, the ductus arteriosus must remain open to ensure circulation. The fetus thrives on a pulmonary hypertension until the time of birth, when the fetus transitions to prepare for the rapid fall in pulmonary vascular resistance that occurs during birth. When the pulmonary vascular resistance does not decrease, the condition known as persistent pulmonary hypertension occurs and may significantly affect the infant's neurodevelopmental outcome.

The Risk of SSRIs

A recent study in five Nordic countries tracked more than 1.6 million births in order to determine if exposure to SSRIs during pregnancy contributed to persistent pulmonary hypertension. Many times, women are encouraged to take selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) to cope with their depression during the pregnancy period. This study focused on the effects that SSRIs can have if they are taken by mothers in late pregnancy.

Some of the SSRIs that were included in the study were fluoxetine, citalopram, paroxetine, sertraline, escitalopram, and fluvoxamine. Fluoxetine is also known by the trade names Prozac, Sarafem, Fontex and others. The study concluded that the risk of persistent pulmonary hypertension of the newborn after exposure to any SSRI in late pregnancy was more than doubled. If mothers were warned of these risks before being prescribed an SSRI during pregnancy, it is likely that most women would refrain from taking these antidepressant drugs. If you or someone you love has given birth to a newborn diagnosed with persistent pulmonary hypertension, don't wait to contact a dangerous drugs attorney for legal representation.

How a Dangerous Drugs Attorney Can Help

Persistent pulmonary hypertension can significantly compromise a newborn's health and result in long-term complications. If you were prescribed an SSRI but not properly informed about its risks, you may have the right to seek compensation from the negligent parties responsible. With the help of a skilled attorney from our firm, you can seek justice for you and your newborn. At Arnold & Itkin, LLP, our dynamic legal team is dedicated to providing aggressive legal defense for those injured by defective or dangerous drugs. We offer you compassionate legal guidance and straight-forward answers to your tough questions during a free consultation with one of our lawyers.

Contact a dangerous drug attorney at our firm today for compassionate and aggressive legal defense.