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Persistent Pulmonary Hypertension

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A rare and devastating birth defect known as persistent pulmonary hypertension, or PPHN, has been linked to Paxil use during pregnancy. PPHN inhibits blood circulation in the heart and lungs, thereby starving the baby’s vital organs of oxygen. Prompt diagnosis and treatment are crucial for a baby’s survival, though in some cases, even this is not enough.

PPHN Alert

In July 2006, the Food and Drug Administration issued an alert about the risk of PPHN to babies whose mothers take Paxil while pregnant. The FDA’s action was prompted by the findings of a study published several months earlier in the February issue of the New England Journal of Medicine. According to that study, maternal use of Paxil after the 20th week of pregnancy increases the risk of PPHN sixfold.

PPHN Dangers

Babies born with PPHN face a number of serious risks, including:

  • Multiple organ failure, including heart and/or kidney failure
  • Shock
  • Hemorrhaging in the brain
  • Death

Even when immediately treated, babies who are still unable to get an adequate supply of oxygen circulating through their bodies face these risks.

However, babies who survive the initial trauma of PPHN usually face permanent, lifelong consequences, such as:

  • Brain damage, mental deficiencies and developmental delays
  • Speech and/or hearing problems
  • Seizures

In addition to the physical and mental challenges faced by a child who survives PPHN, families must bear the financial costs associated with expensive medical care. In some cases, these costs may be recovered by filing a lawsuit against Paxil’s maker. Click here to learn more.

Paxil Use During Pregnancy

Paxil use during pregnancy has been linked to several other serious birth defects including atrial septal defects and ventricular septal defects. Mothers who used Paxil during pregnancy and delivered a baby with PPHN or other birth defect have legal rights and may be able to hold the drug’s maker legally liable.

If your baby was born with a Paxil birth defect, an experienced Paxil attorney can determine your eligibility to take legal action. You need not suffer in vain. Contact a qualified attorney today to learn more about the legal remedies available to you and your family. 

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