The medical malpractice lawyers at Saiontz & Kirk, P.A. investigate potential hospital infection lawsuits throughout the United States for individuals injured by these largely preventable conditions.

MRSA, known as methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus, is a difficult-to-treat infection in humans because it is resistant to a large group of antibiotics. In hospitals, where patients with a weakened immune system are at greater risk of infection than the general public, medical staff have a duty to follow proper sanitary procedures to reduce the risk of transferring the bacteria from patient to patient.

This month’s issue of the Pediatric Infectious Disease Journal contains a study on infant infection rates at hospital NICU (neonatal intensive care units) across the country. Since 1994, there has been a sharp increase in the rate of infant hospital infections, including a tripling of the number of MRSA infant infections.

Researchers from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) looked at data from the National Nosocomial Infections Surveillance system from 1995 through 2004. The data included 5.9 million patient-days of information. Analysis of the data found that the rate of late-onset MRSA infections increased from 0.7 percent in 1995 to 3.1 percent in 2004. That represents an increase of 308%. MRSA infections represented 23% of all infant NICU staph infections.

The study focused primarily on late-onset infections. These infections do not occur during the first three days after delivery, which can be attributed to transmission during labor and delivery. Instead, these infections are likely passed on to children from parents, hospital workers and other contacts with people and things during a hospital stay before release. The study found that most of the MRSA strains found in NICU infants were from strains mostly associated with hospital-acquired infections.

Because of the special nature of NICUs and the differences between infant and adult health care, the study’s researchers said new strategies may need to be developed in order to protect infants from hospital infections. CDC researchers concluded that the study indicates “a need to reinforce infection control recommendations and to explore potential sources and routes of transmission.”

HOSPITAL INFECTION LAWYERS

There are more than 2 million hospital infections acquired each year, resulting in about 90,000 deaths annually. Another 1.5 million long term care and nursing home infections occur every year. Infections can also lead to chronic health conditions and permanent physical damage, including potential amputation of limbs to prevent the spread of the infection.

Experts suggest that when hospitals follow certain steps and protocols, the infection rate at a particular facility can be negligible. These protocols include frequent washing of hands, instruments and patient rooms. In addition, screening for latent infections in incoming patients can allow staff to take steps to prevent other hospital patients from becoming infected.

If your child or a family member has suffered from a hospital MRSA infection which resulted in serious injury or death, potential compensation may be available through a hospital malpractice lawsuit if staff failed to follow proper precautions to reduce the risk of infection. To review a potential claim with our hospital infection lawyers, request a free consultation and claim evaluation.

A new report by the consumer advocacy group Public Citizen, The 0.6 Percent Bogeyman highlights how efforts to further “reform” the tort system should really be spent on improving the quality of care to reduce the number of preventable medical mistakes.

While the payments and frequency of medical malpractice lawsuits have plummeted, Public Citizen points out that there has been no actual measurable increase in medical safety. The report demonstrates that the financial impact of medical malpractice has been overinflated in an effort to further limit individual’s access to the courts.

In the introduction to their report, Public Citizen states:

The number of malpractice payments in 2008 was the lowest since the creation of the federal government’s National Practitioner Data Bank, which has tracked medical malpractice payments since 1998. This was not an aberration. Last year was the third consecutive year in which the number of medical malpractice payments sunk to an all-time low. The cumulative value of malpractice payments (as distinct from the number of payments) in 2008 was either the lowest or second-lowest on record, depending on how one adjusts for inflation.

Medical malpractice litigation’s share of overall health care costs, which always has been minuscule, has fallen to less than 0.6 percent even under the most liberal definition. This figure encompasses insurance companies’ overhead and profits, as well as their litigation costs and the sum of actual payments made to victims. Actual medical malpractice payments have fallen to less than 0.2 percent of all health costs – the lowest level on record.

State and federal policy makers should not take comfort in the declines in medical malpractice litigation. Rather than pointing to safer medical care, the reduction in payments almost certainly means that there are ever more malpractice victims not receiving compensation – and fewer incentives for doctors and nurses to reduce errors.

>>INFORMATION: Cerebral Palsy Malpractice Lawsuits

According to the Access Economics Report, which was commissioned by Cerebral Palsy Australia, the cost of caring for people with cerebral palsy in Australia is approximately $2.4 billion annually, which is the equivalent to $2.1 billion U.S. Dollars. There are 33,800 Australians known to be living with cerebral palsy, and experts estimate that one child is born with the condition every eighteen hours in the country. The report estimated the cost of cerebral palsy by computing the financial cost of treatments, disability and premature death.

Cerebral palsy is a disorder of the nervous system, which is caused by damage to the brain which occurs before, during or immediately after birth. It impacts muscle control and coordination, and the effects of cerebral palsy can vary from mild problems with movements to severe paralysis and inability to control the body’s movement.

Individuals with cerebral palsy often have difficulty with basic activities, such as walking and talking, and about one in four experience seizures. Other complications that often accompany cerebral palsy are mental retardation, learning disabilities and ADHD (attention deficit hyperactivity disorder).

This week was Cerebral Palsy Awareness Week in Australia, running from August 3, 2008 to August 9, 2008. The campaign was designed to raise public awareness about cerebral palsy in the country, with educational seminars and speeches highlighting the services provided by Cerebral Palsy Australia.

In the United States, estimates suggest that about 2 or 3 out of every 1,000 children have cerebral palsy. About 5,000 infants and toddlers and 1,200 to 1,500 preschoolers, are diagnosed with cerebral palsy each year. There are approximately 500,000 people in this country have some degree of cerebral palsy.

CEREBRAL PALSY MALPRACTICE LAWYERS

The medical malpractice lawyers at Saiontz & Kirk, P.A. represent families of children with cerebral palsy throughout the United States. When cerebral palsy is caused by a medical mistake at birth that could have been prevented, the costs of a lifetime of care and disability should not fall on the family. If your family member or loved one has been diagnosed with cerebral palsy, review the legal rights which may be available by requesting a free consultation and claim evaluation.

>>PRIOR POST (2/9/2008): Use of Botox to Treat Cerebral Palsy
Linked to Serious Reactions

Botox is a medication which is approved for cosmetic procedures, as well as to treat cervical dystonia which causes muscle contractions in the neck. The medication contains the botulinum toxin, which is the bateria associated with the development of Botulism. As a result of the impact it has in reducing muscle tension, Botox injections are often prescribed off-label to treat cerebral palsy, which is associated with muscle contractions and lack of muscle control.

The Maryland boy from Charles County was prescribed Botox injections by his doctors to help him gain the ability to walk. The parents were told by his doctors that the Botox treatment would help the boy increase his ability to stretch his muscles. However, after several shots of Botox were administered over a period of three years, the boy died from a stroke and pneumonia.

A lawsuit filed by the parents alleges that their son’s death in 2007 was caused by the Botox injections. The manufacturer of the drug, Allergan, was blamed for negligence in design, manufacture and marketing of the popular anti-wrinkle drug. The suit also claims that Allergan promoted Botox “off-label” for patients with cerebral palsy, even though it was not approved for this purpose by the FDA or deemed safe and effective.
 
In February 2008, the FDA issued a public health warning to consumers and healthcare providers following multiple reports of deaths, breathing problems, and other adverse reactions caused by Botox. The FDA specifically highlighted the potential risks when using Botox to treat children with cerebral palsy, since the typical dose given is substantially larger than what is normally used for cosmetic purposes.

The reactions associated with Botox injections often produce symptoms similar to Botulism, such as weakness, vision problems, drooping eyelids, slurred speech, dry mouth, difficulty swallowing and respiratory distress.

CEREBRAL PALSY BOTOX LAWYERS

The lawyers at Saiontz & Kirk, P.A. represent children throughout the United States who have been diagnosed with cerebral palsy as a result of a medical mistake at the time of birth. Potential for Cerebral Palsy Botox lawsuits are also being considered. If your child or a family member suffered a severe reaction to Botox resulting in death or serious injury, request a free consultation and claim evaluation.

The five year trial, which is funded by the National Institutes of Health, follows adults with cerebral palsy through 12 weeks of intense water exercises. While in water up to the hips, only about 50% of the bodyweight must be supported, allowing participants to move their muscles more and do things they can’t otherwise do. This allows them to perform much more vigorous exercise than they can do outside of water.

Cerebral palsy is a disorder that is caused by an injury to the brain at or near the time of birth. It impacts motor control, balance and posture. While there are a number of programs designed to help children with cerebral palsy learn the skills and functions that can help them live a more independent life, little research has been done on adults.

CEREBRAL PALSY ATTORNEYS

In some cases, cerebral palsy is caused by a medical mistake at birth, which results in a lack of oxygen to the brain. The cerebral palsy attorneys at Saiontz & Kirk, P.A. represent children and their famiies throughout the United States who may be entitled to compensation to help them obtain the treatment and support they will need throughout a lifetime with this disability.

If your child or family member has been diagnosed with cerebral palsy and you suspect that it may be caused by a medical mistake, request a free consultation and claim evaluation.

Children with cerebral palsy often learn better muscle control and social interaction skills through specialized and diligent work. There are schools and learning centers that work closely with adults and children with cerebral palsy to help develop these skills. However, many of these schools do not continue over the summer, and cerebral palsy camps are often available fill the gap and continue the progress and development.

While camps may vary in size and activities offered, most have very low camper-to-counselor ratios and have medical staff available. Similar to traditional summer camps, activities could include swimming, arts and crafts, plays and skits, talent shows, movie nights, campfires, sing-a-longs, team sports and dances. In addition to providing a memorable and enjoyable summer experience, the summer camps also focus on utilizing fine motor skills.

Camp Grace Bentley, on the shore of Lake Huron, is one example of a cerebral palsy camp. The camp, which is dedicated to help children with special needs, runs for nine days and never has more than three campers for each counseler. Four sessions of nine days each begin in late June and run through mid-August at a cost of $400 for each session.

There are several resources on the internet to help families locate a cerebral palsy summer camp in their area. Below are two useful sources which list summer camps for children with disabilities:

• MySummerCamps.com
• VerySpecialCamps.com

CEREBAL PALSY ATTORNEYS

The cerebral palsy attorneys at Saiontz & Kirk, P.A. represent children who suffered an injury at birth which was caused by a medical mistake. If the doctor, hospital or medical staff fail to follow the proper standards of medical care during a deliver, the child’s brain may be deprived of oxygen, resulting in cerebral palsy and a lifetime disability.

If you suspect that a medical mistake may be responsible for your child or family member suffering from cerebral palsy, request a free consultation.

Dallas Hextell, a 2-year-old from Sacramento, California, received an infusion of his own umbilical cord blood as part of a Duke University clinical trial. Within five days, he showed improvements in the limitations imposed by the condition, and his parents are hopeful that a cerebral palsy recovery, with no signs of the disability, may be possible for Dallas by the time he is 7-years-old.

>>VIDEO: Today Show story on cerebral palsy recovery

The child’s parents became very concerned about their child’s development shortly after birth, when he had difficulty feeding and constant crying. By five months of age, Dallas was still unable to balance and his head was often tilted to the side. At eight moths, a specialist diagnosed cerebral palsy, a form of brain damage that impairs the child’s ability to control and coordinate movements. At 18 months, Dallas could not crawl, sit up, clap or speak.

At the time of his birth in 2006, the Hextells chose to bank their baby’s umbilical cord blood. This is an expensive, but increasingly popular choice among parents today. A number of private stem cell banks will preserve cord blood collected at the time of birth and store it for future medical uses.

Doctors at Duke University are conducting clinical trials to investigate the effects of using cord blood to treat children with cerebral palsy or brain damage. Parents whose children have undergone the procedure have reported seeing considerable cerebral palsy improvements with speech and motor skills.

Last July, Dallas had his own cord blood infused in a procedure that lasted only an hour. Within five days, the child who had been unable to communicate was able to say “Mama”. His parents report drastic change in his ability to connect with others and control his body and he is now able to walk unasssisted.

CEREBRAL PALSY ATTORNEYS

Cerebral palsy, also known as CP, is a serious disorder caused by damage to areas of the brain that control motor skills. This damage can occur during pregnancy, during childbirth, or shortly after birth. There is currently no known cure for cerebral palsy and treatments to manage the debilitating condition make cerebral palsy the second most expensive developmental disability to manage over a lifetime.

In some cases, a mistake at the time of birth may cause cerebral palsy if the baby’s brain is deprived of oxygen. If a doctor, hospital or medical provider fails to follow the proper standard of medical care, and the child suffers a birth injury, financial compensation may be available for the child and their family.

The cerebral palsy attorneys at Saiontz & Kirk, P.A. investigate potential medical malpractice lawsuits on behalf of children with cerebral palsy and their families. If your child or family member has been diagnosed with CP and you suspect that a mistake at the time of birth may have contributed to the condition, request a free consultation and claim evaluation.

>>INFORMATION: Medical mistakes resulting in cerebral palsy

Cerebral palsy is a chronic motor disability which can be caused by damage to a child’s brain before, during or immediately after birth. The risk of cerebral palsy is greatly increased with an early delivery, and-preeclampsia is the leading cause of premature births in the United States, accounting for about 15% of all pre-term deliveries occurring before 36 weeks of gestational age.

Preeclampsia, also referred to as pregnancy-induced hypertension, is a set of symptoms which occur in approximately 10% of first pregnancies in the United States. It is important for pregnant women to be routinely monitored by their doctors, especially if they are at a higher risk for preeclampsia (such as those who are older, obese, carrying twins or who have a history of high blood pressure or diabetes), since the condition can develop and progress to a dangerous level very rapidly.

Signs of preeclampsia could include:

• Raised blood pressure (higher than 140 over 90)
• Protein in the urine
• Severe headaches
• Swelling in the hands and face
• Abdominal pain
• Nausea
• Sudden weight gain.

Once identified, most doctors treat pre-eclampsia by placing a pregnant woman on bed rest to help lower the blood pressure and increase the supply of blood to the placenta. The only cure for pre-eclampsia is to deliver the baby, and a doctor must carefully monitor the condition of both the mother and the unborn baby to balance the risk factors and make an appropriate decision about when to deliver the baby.

CEREBRAL PALSY LAWYERS

The birth injury lawyers at Saiontz & Kirk, P.A. investigate potential medical malpractice lawsuits for mistakes which result in a child developing cerebral palsy. If a medical provider fails to properly monitor the mother, they may miss early signs of preeclampsia, placing the pregnant woman and their baby in danger. If you believe that your child or a family member has suffered a birth injury resulting in cerebral pasly as a result of a doctors failure to follow the proper standard of medical care before, during or immediately after birth, request a free consultation and claim evaluation.

The CDC study was released in the current edition of Pediatrics: Official Journal of the American Academy of Pediatrics. Researchers reviewed data from three sites around the country to determine the prevalence of cerebral palsy among 8 year old children in 2002. The highest rates of cerebral palsy were found among boys, African-Americans and those living in low and middle-income neighborhoods. The lowest number of children with cerebral palsy were found among Hispanic children.

Cerebral palsy is a neurological disorder which can be caused by damage to the brain during, before or shortly after birth. Once the child’s brain damage has been sustained, there is no currently known cure, and the disability can lead to severe difficulties with movement control and muscle coordination. It has also been commonly associated with seizures, sensory impairments and cognitive limitations.

>>INFORATION: Symptoms of Cerebral Palsy

Many consider cerebral palsy research to be a forgotten field, and this report could prompt more scientists to take an interest in investigating cerebral palsy and attract the type of funding necessary to lead to a medical breakthrough. Current cerebral palsy treatment options, which are designed to help children lead a more productive and independent life, have generally not changed much over the past 50 years and the lack of funding for national cerebral palsy research has been frustrating for doctors and parents of children with CP.

CEREBRAL PALSY LAWYERS

While the development of cerebral palsy can be caused by a variety of factors, in some cases the condition is directly linked to a medical mistake made by a hospital, doctor or nurse at the time of birth or during prenatal care. The Cerebral Palsy lawyers at Saiontz & Kirk, P.A. investigate potential claims on behalf of families of children with CP to help determine if financial compensation may be available. If your child or family member have been diagnosed with cerebral palsy, request a free consultation and claim evaluation.

>>INFORMATION: Obstetrical malpractice lawsuits

Every year, a significant number of Americans die in hospitals as a result of medical malpractice. It is estimated that at least half of these hospital errors may be due to a simple breakdown in communication between doctors, nurses and other hospital staff. While other specialty areas have been working to prevent these types of life-threatening mistakes, the field of obstetrics has seemed to lag behind.

Obstetrical malpractice refers to medical mistakes made during the care and treatment of women in childbirth and during the period before and after delivery. Obstetrical mistakes could result in injuries for the mother, or could also result in life-long disabilities for the child, such as cerebral palsy or erbs palsy.

>>INFORMATION: Cerebral Palsy obstetrical mistakes

In 2004, the Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences at Yale University, designed and implemented new safety standards for care of patients at Yale-New Haven Hospital. The new procedures were designed to reduce the risk of obstetrical malpractice. Researchers who followed the outcomes of patients for over two and a half years, reported that the rate of obstetrical errors decreased at the hospital by about 60% with the new procedures in place.

The measures implemented had six key components:

1. Independent review of the service
2. Creation of a full-time patient safety nurse
3. Standardizing common procedures, such as oxytocin administration
4. Mandatory crew resource management training to improve communication among staff
5. Adoption of standard terminology in interpreting fetal heart monitoring
6. Multidisciplinary oversight by a patient safety committee

Researchers indicated that the most critical component was the addition of a full-time patient safety nurse, charged with reviewing cases and acting as a central contact for staff members. They also put in place certain practices standard in the aviation industry, such a the 2-challenge rule. The rule requires staff to question any situation that they believe may jeopardize a patient’s safety and to do it a second time if the circumstances do not change.

The results of this research, which were presented earlier this month at the Society for Maternal Fetal Medicine Annual Meeting in Dallas, Texas, suggest that consistent efforts to improve communication and reduce errors could have a tremendous positive impact on reducing the risk of obstetrical malpractice. These steps could help hospitals avoid the types of medical mistakes which result in death and devastating injuries for woman and children during childbirth.

OBSTETRICAL MALPRACTICE LAWYERS

The medical malpractice lawyers at Saiontz & Kirk, P.A. review potential obstetrical malpractice lawsuits throughout the United States. There are no fees or expenses unless a recovery is obtained. To review the circumstances surrounding childbirth which may have resulted in an injury, request a free obstetrical malpractice claim evaluation.

>>FDA ALERT: Botox reactions lead to safety review

Botox and Myobloc are medications which contain the botulinum toxin, which is the bacteria associated with the development of Botulism. Both medications are approved to treat cervical dystonia, which involves sustained muscle contractions in the neck that can cause the head to rotate to one side or pull down towards the chest. Botox, which is the more well know product, is also approved for cosmetic use to help remove wrinkles and hide the signs of aging.

Although Botox is not approved by the FDA to treat cerebral palsy, several other countries have approved the drug to help children with an inability to relax certain muscles. Cerebral palsy is a disability which impacts movement control and muscle coordination. It results from brain damage which can be suffered before, during or immediately after birth.

>>PRIOR POST (2/22/07): Cerebral Palsy Botox Treatment

Spastic cerebral palsy is the most common form of the disability. It is associated with muscles which are in a constant state of increased tension, resulting in stiff, jerky and difficult movements. Use of Botox to treat cerebral palsy can be effective, as the toxin binds to the nerve endings, preventing the nerve from signaling the muscle to contract. Although it is not approved for this purpose in the United States, many doctor use the drug “off-label” which is a common medical practice for approved drugs.

The FDA has indicated that the adverse reactions which have been reported could be related to overdosing, and most of the cases involved children with cerebral palsy. The typical dose of the Botox injection which is used when it is given to children with spastic cerebral palsy is significantly larger than what is normally used when it is prescribed for cosmetic purposes, which could be causing some of the reactions.

The Myobloc and Botox side effects could produce symptoms similar to Botulism, which is a serious and potentially life-threatening disease which causes muscle paralyzation. Signs of problems could include:

• Weakness
• Double or Blurred Vision
• Drooping Eyelids
• Slurred Speech
• Dry Mouth
• Difficulty Swallowing
• Respiratory Distress

The warning labels for both Botox and Myobloc do indicate the risk of side effects which could cause the toxic active ingrediants to spread to other parts of the body and cause possible respiratory problems and difficulty swallowing. However, the consumer group Public Citizen has previously indicated that the warnings should be strengthened, as they have identified at least 16 deaths that could be associated with the use of Botox or Myobloc.

The FDA statement indicates that they are conducting a complete review of the data from post-marketing adverse event reports, and they will consider whether recommendations or regulatory actions are needed. It is possible that the agency will require a black box warning about the risk of Myobloc and Botox side effects. A black box warning is the strongest warning that can be placed on a prescription medication, and it is displayed prominently on the label in a black box to draw attention to the potential side effects.

* * * * *

The lawyers at Saiontz & Kirk, P.A. represent children who are pursuing cerebral palsy lawsuits as a result of brain damage which is caused by a medical mistake at the time of death. Food poisoning lawsuits are also reviewed for individuals who have suffered from Botulism as a result of canned foods which have become contaminated during the manufacturing process.

>>INFORMATION: Cerebral Palsy

The results of the study were presented last Thursday at the annual meeting of the Society for Maternal-Fetal Medicine. Research conducted by John Thorp, a professor of obstetrics at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, looked at 2,241 women who went into early labor between week 24 and week 31 of the pregnancy. A full term pregnancy lasts about 40 weeks and a baby born before 37 weeks is generally considered premature.

The study found that for women who received magnesium sulfate, commonly known as Epsom salts, the premature baby’s cerebral palsy risk was nearly half that of those born to women who received a placebo. Magnesium sulfate is an inexpensive and widely available treatment that has been safely used for years to prevent high blood pressure and preterm labor in pregnant women.

Among women who were given the magnesium sulfate, only 4.2% of the babies developed cerebral palsy, compared with 7.3% of the premature babies born to women who received a placebo. About 1.9% of women in the treatment group that received the Epsom salts had babies who developed moderate to severe forms of cerebral palsy, compared to 3.5% of women who did not receive the drug.

Researchers also indicated that the use of magnesium sulfate did not alter the premature baby’s risk of death and it was not associated with any serious side effects. Similar results were reported in a 2003 Australian study, but the confirmation provided by this more recent data gives hope for a safe, easily accessible medication that can help reduce the cerebral palsy risk in premature delivery.

It is not known exactly how the magnesium sulfate works to prevent cerebral palsy. Researchers have hypothesized that it may open up and stabilize the blood vessels in an infant’s brain, making it less vulnerable to damage caused by insufficient oxygen. The researchers are recommending that doctors consider the use of Epsom salts for women who are about to deliver a premature baby, but it is unclear whether the current study will produce an immediate change in common medical practice.

CEREBRAL PALSY LAWYERS

The cerebral palsy lawyers at Saiontz & Kirk, P.A. investigate potential legal claims on behalf of children who have been diagnosed with cerebral palsy which may have been caused by a medical mistake. While not all cases of cerebral palsy are tied to an error, in many cases if a doctor, hospital or medical provider fails to follow the proper standard of medical care, the baby could suffer brain damage during birth resulting in cerebral palsy.

If your child, a friend or family member have been diagnosed with cerebral palsy or another birth injury, you can review the circumstances surrounding the pregnancy and delivery to help determine if financial compensation may be available for the child. There are no fees or expenses unless a recovery is obtained for the child. Request a free cerebral palsy claim evaluation.

The brain chill procedure is done through a helmet-like device which is fitted to the newborns head and connected to a cooling machine.  The device cools the brain following a difficult birth to avoid severe swelling.  It is designed to reduce the risk of permanent brain damage which could lead to cerebral palsy or other life-long disabilities for the child.

Research on the brain chill cap began in 1992.  British pediatriacian, Prof. Marianne Thoresen, started a pilot program in 1998 to test the procedure on some babies born at St. Michael’s Hospital in Bristol UK.

Recently, the UK’s Press Association reported that a brain chilling cap was used with apparent success to prevent cerebral palsy for newborn, Olivia Templar.  Following a traumatic birth in which the baby was deprived of oxygen for approximately 10 minutes, the brain chill cap was used for three days to reduce possible swelling which could have caused permanent brain damage.  According to the baby’s mother, who is attempting to raise money for the more widespread use of the technology, she credits the brain cooling cap for saving her child from suffering a lifelong disability.

Although the brain chilling treatment is not expected to prevent cerebral palsy or brain damage every time it is used, proponents suggest that cooling the baby’s brain may be better than not cooling the brain following a traumatic birth.  Efforts are being made to make parents and doctors more aware of this new technique and to make the technology more widely available.

CEREBRAL PALSY LAWYERS

The cerebral palsy lawyers at Saiontz & Kirk, P.A. represent children who have suffered an injury as a result of a traumatic birth which was caused by a medical mistake before, during or immediately after delivery.  When a doctor, hospital or medical staff fail to provide the proper standard of medical care, the baby could be deprived of oxygen and suffer a brain injury which causes cerebral palsy.

If you suspect that a child’s cerebral palsy could have been prevented, request a free birth injury lawsuit evaluation.

>>FDA MEDWATCH: CellCept Birth Defect Warning

CellCept (mycophenolate mofetil) is manufactured by Roche Holding AG.   Following a kidney transplant, heart transplant or liver transplant, CellCept is prescribed to help keep the new organ healthy.  It is  also prescribed by some doctors to lupus patients who are unable to tolerate chemotherapy.

According to statements released by the FDA and Roche, CellCept side effects are associated with an increased risk of miscarriage during the first trimester and an increased risk of birth defects if the baby is carried to term.  Congential malformations could be caused by the drug, especially external ear and facial abnormalities, such as a cleft lip or cleft palate.  Abnormalities of the arms, legs, heart, esophagus and kidney could also be caused by the drug.

The risk of CellCept birth defects was identified by the FDA after a review of data collected since 1995.  The federal regulators found that out of 77 women who received the drug, 25 had a miscarriage and 14 had a deformed infant or fetus.  It is difficult to determine exactly how common the CelCept pregnancy problems are, since all of the adverse outcomes reviewed by the FDA were voluntarily reported.

The manufacturer had reason to suspect that CellCept may cause birth defects, but it appears that they failed to fully research their product and did not provide adequate warnings which could have prevented many serious and lifelong injuries.  Studies done during the development of the drug found an increased risk of pregnancy problems and birth defects among female rats and rabbits given CellCept.

In addition to the boxed warnings required by the FDA, information will be added to the precautions section to indicate that women of childbearing age should use contraceptives for four weeks before starting CellCept therapy and continue it for six weeks after the drug is stopped.  However, it is possible that CellCept could reduce the effectiveness of oral birth control because it reduces blood levels of hormones in the pill.

CELLCEPT LAWSUITS

The lawyers at Saiontz & Kirk, P.A. are reviewing potential CellCept lawsuits nationwide.  If your child or family member was born with a birth defect, or congenital malformations, review the legal options which may be available by requesting a free consultation.