Persistent Truncus Arteriosus
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If you are pregnant and are taking a medication such as Paxil® to treat depression or anxiety, you should consult with your doctor about the potential birth injuries associated with this class of drugs. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has warned the public about an increased risk of heart defects in babies whose mothers take Paxil® in the first trimester. Among the potential heart defects is persistent truncus arteriosus.
The heart contains a wall known as a septum. The septum prevents blood mixing between the left and right ventricles. Patients with persistent truncus arteriosus do not have two separate ventricles, but instead have one single vessel. As a result, oxygen-poor blood is mixed with oxygen-rich blood, which can lead to serious health complications.
This is a congenital disorder that develops in the fetal stage of development.
Persistent Truncus Arteriosus Symptoms
The possible symptoms of persistent truncus arteriosus include:
- Loss of appetite
- Slow weight gain
- Lung hypertension
- Enlarged heart
- Heart failure
Persistent truncus arteriosus is an extremely dangerous condition that can be fatal if not properly treated. An affected infant can die within one year if surgery is not performed to fix the problem. Surgery will usually be performed before an infant reaches two months.
Complications of Persistent Truncus Arteriosus
Babies who have this heart defect will need immediate treatment to prevent severe complications and death. Complications can include:
- Respiratory problems, difficulty breathing
- Pulmonary hypertension (high blood pressure in the lungs)
- Enlargement of the heart, caused by being overworked
- Heart failure
Patients who have surgery to correct the issue may still be at risk of complications later in life. These complications can include progressive pulmonary hypertension, leaky heart valves (regurgitation) and heart rhythm disturbances (arrhythmias). Patients may experience dizziness, fatigue, difficult breathing and shortness of breath.
Get Legal Help from a Paxil® Heart defect Lawyer
If your infant is diagnosed with persistent truncus arteriosus and you took Paxil® or another medication for depression during the first trimester of your pregnancy, contact an attorney to find out if you qualify to file a lawsuit to seek compensation from the drug maker. You may be eligible to recover compensation for the medical costs associated with surgery and other treatments as well as the pain and suffering incurred.
