Persistent Pulmonary Hypertension in Newborns
PPHN may be caused as a side effect of antidepressants taken during pregnancy, including Paxil, Prozac and Zoloft. >>REQUEST FREE CLAIM EVALUATION
Persistent pulmonary hypertension in newborns (PPHN) is a serious respiratory disorder which could be suffered by a newborn after birth. In some cases, PPHN could be caused by antidepressant side effects when the medications are taken during the pregnancy.
WHAT IS PPHN
After birth, when the umbilical cord is cut, the newborn’s lungs take over the task of providing oxygen rich blood to the babies tissues and organs. As a result of persistent pulmonary hypertension in newborns (PPHN), the blood vessels leading to the lungs may fail to expand as they normally should. This will cause insufficient blood flow to the lungs, and the baby may suffer serious and potentially life threatening problems.
CAUSES OF PERSISTENT PULMONARY HYPERTENSION IN NEWBORNS (PPHN)
PPHN can be caused by use of certain medications during pregnancy, including Aspirin and certain antidepressants, known as SSRIs. PPHN can also be caused by respiratory distress from other lung conditions, such as meconium aspiration syndrome.
>>INFORMATION: Antidepressant side effects causing PPHN
PPHN is usually evident within a day or two after birth. Signs or symptoms may include rapid breathing, blue color to the skin, weak pulse or severe respiratory distress.
Treatment of PPHN often involves use of a ventilator or providing 100% oxygen to the baby. This helps open the arteries leading to the lungs. In more extreme cases, the newborn’s blood may be fed through a machine which adds oxygen and removes carbon dioxide.
PERSISTENT PULMONARY HYPERTENSION IN NEWBORNS (PPHN) LAWSUITS
Saiontz, Kirk and Miles is currently investigating the potential for lawsuits if persistent pulmonary hypertension in newborns (PPHN) was caused by SSRI antidepressants taken during pregnancy. These newer types of antidepressants include Paxil, Prozac and Zoloft.
If your child or a family member has been diagnosed with PPHN and the mother took a SSRI antidepressant, such as Paxil, Prosac or Zoloft, during the pregnancy,
