Persistent Pulmonary Hypertension (pphn) And How A Ssri Prescription Can Lead To Birth Defects

Despite a well-received quick start (and may I say

, a rather welcome one) in the antidepressant industry, SSRI (selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor) class antidepressants have come under scrutiny after recent clinical studies pointed out the dangerous impact some of these have on the fetus. A number of congenital anomalies including anal atresia, club foot, limb reduction, cranial defects, abdominal defects or PPHN are among the Zoloft births defects that threaten the well-being of unborn children whose mothers had a Zoloft or other SSRI antidepressant prescription while pregnant.

What is Persistent Pulmonary Hypertension (PPHN)?

The condition is rare, but nevertheless, life-threatening. It occurs when an infant's circulation system does not adapt for some reason to breathing outside the womb after birth. While still in the uterus, the fetus gets oxygen from the mother's placenta through the umbilical cord. Because there is high blood pressure in the lungs, the pulmonary artery is sent away from the lungs to the other organs through the ductus arteriosus (fetal blood vessel). In normal cases, when a baby is born, the first breath means that the blood pressure in the lungs falls, and the blood flow toward the lungs increases. The fetal blood vessel then gradually constricts and closes permanently in the first day of life. In newborns with PPHN on the other hand, the blood pressure in the lungs remains high, the ductus arteriosus remains open and in consequence, the blood is continually directed away from the lungs. Several factors can cause PPHN, and unfortunately, the condition is also known to be among birth defects Zoloft use results in. In fact, several FDA warnings have been then issued informing on the possible connection between Zoloft and birth defects.

What Causes PPHN?

The cause of PPHN in newborns is not always known and this is especially true for babies otherwise healthy. Factors that contribute to the development of this congenital defect include:

-Stress during life in the womb. Pregnancy complications like maternal diabetes, anemia, or late delivery may increase risks. -Meconium aspiration syndrome, severe pneumonia, hypoglycemia and birth asphyxia may all trigger PPHN.

-SSRI antidepressants use during pregnancy, especially after the 20th week. While the condition is normally rare, clinical studies show an increased chance of occurrence, as high as 6 times in case of women who used Zoloft or other SSRI antidepressant during pregnancy.

It is unknown to this day why does Zoloft cause birth defects like PPHN. All in all, the risk is real and should be taken into careful consideration.

What are the Symptoms of PPHN?

Signs that show that a newborn has PPHN are:

-Tachypnea or rapid breathing

-Rapid heart rate

-Flaring nostrils, grunting

-Cyanosis, a bluish tint to the skin

-Abnormal heart sound

-Low oxygen level

What Complications May Occur?

PPHN is one of the Zoloft birth defects that can be fatal to the newborn. Intensive treatment and continual monitoring is a necessity. The insufficient oxygen supply to the tissues in the body can cause heart failure, brain hemorrhage, kidney failure, seizures and even death. The good news is that nowadays less than 20% of the infants born with PPHN die (compared to close to 50% 15 years ago) and only a fifth of the surviving babies develop long-term health injuries.

Depending on the severity level of the condition, the infant born with PPHN might need long-term, or even life-long special medical care. Since it has been shown that Zoloft and birth defects are linked, if you suspect that your child is affected by your use of the drug during pregnancy, you might be entitled to monetary compensation from the drug manufacturer. Present your case to an experienced lawyer specialized in Zoloft birth defects who will then assist you in your legal battle for your rights.

by: Caleb Chao'

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