Recent research has indicated that women that take the SSRI anti-depressants, like Zoloft, before or during pregnancy increase the risk of their babies being born with a birth defect. In some cases, the drugs have been linked to serious and potentially fatal defects that lead to permanent effects for the rest of the child’s life. Since the manufacturers of Zoloft failed to issue an appropriate warning of these risks, victims are seeking compensation for the extensive injuries they have been subjected to.
Types of Zoloft Birth Defects
A number of studies from reputable sources have tested the link between selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor anti-depressants like Zoloft and birth defects. In a study published by the New England Journal of Medicine, researchers found that women who took Zoloft in the first few months of their pregnancy had twice the risk of delivering a baby with a heart defect. In some cases, the septal heart defects caused the baby to be born with a dangerous hole within the tissue that separates the different chambers of the heart. Another of the Zoloft birth defects found was coarctation of the aorta, which causes the baby to be born with a narrower than normal aorta that makes it extremely difficult for blood to flow through the majority artery. The same study found anencephaly to be 2.4 times more common in children born to mothers that consumed Zoloft and other SSRI anti-depressants. The fatal condition results in the neural tube failing to close during fetal development, so that the baby is born with portions of the skull or brain missing. The research found that Zoloft causes an additional 2.8 times increased risk of the baby suffering from omphalocele, which causes one or more abdominal organs to be improperly placed outside of the baby’s body. The condition leads to a high rate of mortality, as well as severe malformations, cardiac anomalies, and neural tube defects for surviving children. Zoloft birth defects also include anal atresia, a defect of the bowel. Children of mothers that take Zoloft have a 4.4 times increased risk in comparison to other mothers. Surgery can help treat the condition, but the effects are long-lasting for the children that may continue to have problems controlling bowel functioning. Children have an additional 2.4 times increased risk of being born with a club foot, where one foot is bent in the wrong direction and the ability is walk is severely restricted. According to a study published within the British Medical Journal, women who take Zoloft during pregnancy also double the risk for their babies to suffer from other congenital heart defects. For instance, some babies were found to have tetraology of fallot in the heart that results in low oxygen levels in the blood. Hypoplastic left heart syndrome is another of the correlated Zoloft birth defects that causes parts of the left side of the heart to not form completely or properly.
List of Birth Defects Associated with Zoloft
- Hole in the heart
- Skull/Cranial defects (Craniosynostosis)
- Abdominal defects (Omphalocele, Gastroschisis)
- Esophageal Stenosis
- Anal Atresia
- Spina Bifida
- Club Feet
- Autism
- Heart defects:
- Atrial Septal Defects (ASD)
- Ventricular Septal Defects (VSD)
- Persistent Pulmonary Hypertension of the Newborn (PPHN)
- Tricuspid Valve (Ebstein’s Anomaly)
- Mitral Valve Prolapse
- Transposition of the Great Arteries (TGA)
- Transposition of the Great Vessels (TGV)
- Tetralogy of Fallot (TOF)
- Hypoplastic Left Heart Syndrome (HLHS)
- Hypoplastic Right Heart Syndrome (HRHS)
- Tricuspid Atresia
- Aortic Stenosis
- Pulmonary Atresia (PA)
- Patent Ductus Arteriosus (PDA)
- Coarctation of the Aorta
- Truncus Arteriosus
- Tricuspid Valve Stenosis
- Heart Murmur
- Pulmonary Stenosis
- Gastroschisis – abdominal wall defect
What To Do if You Are Affected
If your child has been born with one of these Zoloft birth defects, there is nothing that can undo the impact on you and your child’s life. However, there is the chance to seek compensation from the manufacturer and hold them accountable for their failure of warning. The Attorney Group and affiliated attorneys are knowledgeable about the ranging Zoloft birth defects and will be able to answer all legal questions you have. Their affiliated attorneys can help seek compensation to cover your medical expenses, as well as your pain and suffering. Contact Attorney Group today if you have questions or believe you have a claim.
