The Schmidt Firm, PLLC is actively handling HRHS lawsuits in all 50 states. If you or somebody you know took an antidepressant while pregnant and your child has hypoplastic right heart syndrome, you should contact us immediately. You may be entitled to compensation and our law firm can help.
Michael E. Schmidt of The Schmidt Firm, PLLC has stated, “Our law firm has represented thousands of victims in pharmaceutical side effect and recall cases, however being a father of four, this particular litigation [antidepressant-induced birth defects] really strikes home. We are actively representing the children and families affected by the manufacturer’s inability to warn the mothers of the potential for congenital birth defects when taken during pregnancy.”
What is HRHS?
Even more rare than hypoplastic left heart syndrome (HLHS), hypoplastic right heart syndrome refers to a congenital heart defect characterized by underdevelopment of the right-sided structures of the heart. These defects cause inadequate blood flow to the lungs and thus, a blue or cyanotic infant. This defect involves the pulmonary valve atresia which has not formed, a very small right ventricle, a small tricuspid valve and a small hypoplastic pulmonary artery. As the ventricle has failed to grow and develop the ventricles muscle structure is poor, so additional problems are encountered as the heart attempts to pump blood to the pulmonary valve for transfer to the lungs. HRHS requires immediate emergency treatment, as the heart begins to fail almost immediately after birth.
What Causes Hypoplastic Right Heart Syndrome?
The following antidepressants are linked to the development of HRHS in newborn babies, infants, and children if their mothers took them while pregnant:
- Paxil (Paroxetine)
- Zoloft (Sertraline)
- Celexa (Citalopram)
- Prozac (Fluoxetine)
- Lexapro (Escitalopram)
- Symbyax (fluoxetine and olanzapine)
- Wellbutrin (Bupropion)
- Effexor (Venlafaxine)
Hypoplastic Right Heart Syndrome: Treatment & Life Expectancy
If corrective surgery is performed on an infant with HRHS, he or she has a good chance of living a normal, productive life. However, as children with HRHS may tire out faster than children without the condition, your healthcare professional will likely recommend that your child be restricted from high-contact sports and activities that lead to exertion. Often, children with hypoplastic right heart syndrome will require daily medication to ensure optimum heart function. Regular visits with a cardiologist should also be expected.
Do I Have a Hypoplastic Right Heart Syndrome (HRHS) Lawsuit?
Our attorneys are currently accepting HRHS cases in all 50 states. If you or somebody you know took an antidepressant during pregnancy and your child was born with hypoplastic right heart syndrome, you should contact us immediately. You may be entitled to compensation and we can help. Please use the form below to contact our Defective Drug & Products Liability Litigation Group or call toll free 24 hours a day at (866) 920-0753.
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The Schmidt Firm, PLLC has been recognized as one of the nation’s leading plaintiffs' law firms and handles cases in all 50 states. We are very proud of our legal achievements, but equally self-respecting of our firm's reputation for providing personal attention to each and every client we represent.
