Congenital Abnormalities
Congenital abnormalities also known as birth defects are irregularities a person is born. Birth defects occur during fetal development as the baby is growing. Birth defects occur in about three to four percent of babies born. Among the most common congenital disorders are:
- Heart Defects
- Cleft lip and cleft palate
- Persistent pulmonary hypertension of the newborn (PPHN)
- Spina bifida
Although most congenital abnormalities are due to environmental or genetic causes, the reason for the majority of birth defects is unknown.
Research has shown that certain toxins, whether they are particular drugs, medications or poisons in the pregnant mother's environment have been linked to congenital abnormalities. Particular infections, alcohol abuse and illegal drug abuse are known to cause some birth defects. Some prescription medications have also been linked to congenital abnormalities.
Among the medications known to increase the risk of congenital abnormalities are selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), a class of antidepressants that work by making serotonin, a mood enhancer, more available to brain tissue. SSRIs are some of the most commonly prescribed antidepressants in the world. They include Celexa®, Zoloft®, Paxil®, Prozac® and Lexapro®.
Celexa® and Congenital Abnormality Risks
Celexa® (citalopram) and other SSRIs have been linked to an increase in the risk of certain birth defects when taken by pregnant women. Some of the congenital abnormalities that have been reported by women who took Celexa® during their pregnancies include:
- Persistent pulmonary hypertension of the newborn (PPHN) –a serious lung problem in newborns
- Septal heart defects (defects in the walls separating the heart's chambers)
- Anencephaly (birth defect affecting the brain and skull
- Craniosynostosis (birth defect affecting the closure of the sutures of the skull)
- Omphalocele (birth defect in which the abdominal organs protrude through the abdominal wall
Talk to an Attorney about Compensation
If your baby is born with a congenital abnormality and you took an SSRI during your pregnancy, you may want to talk to an attorney about the possibility of pursuing compensation for damages by filing a lawsuit. Our Celexa® birth defect lawyers can help you seek the compensation you need to pay for medical costs associated with your child's condition. Compensation might also be awarded for the pain and suffering endured by you, your child and your family.
Call today to schedule a free review of your case.