The Schmidt Firm, PLLC is actively handling transposition of the great arteries lawsuits in all 50 states. If you or somebody you know took an antidepressant while pregnant and your child has TGA, 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.”
Transposition of the Great Arteries: An Overview
Transposition of the Great Arteries is a congenital heart birth defect caused by an abnormal development of the fetal heart during the first eight weeks of pregnancy. In TGA, the aorta is connected to the right ventricle, and the pulmonary artery is connected to the left ventricle – the exact opposite of a normal heart’s anatomy. Oxygen-poor (blue) blood returns to the right atrium from the body, passes through the right atrium and ventricle, then goes into the misconnected aorta back to the body. Oxygen-rich (red) blood returns to the left atrium from the lungs, passes through the left atrium and ventricle, then goes into the pulmonary artery and back to the lungs. Slight variations of TGA are referred to as “d-transposition of the great arteries” (“d-TGA,” “transposition,” “TGA”), “l-transposition” (“l-TGA,” “corrected transposition”).
Which Antidepressants have been linked to Transposition of the Great Arteries?
The following antidepressants are linked to the development of TGA 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)
Transposition of the Great Arteries Surgery
Unfortunately, infants born with TGA usually require surgery early in life to survive. Many babies undergo a catheterization procedure to delay the surgery until they are stronger and can handle it better. Catheterization enlarges a naturally occurring connection between the right and left upper chambers (the atria). This lets the blood mix so some oxygen-rich and oxygen-poor blood can be pumped to the correct side. Some patients may require additional surgical procedures to help their heart pump better, repair abnormal valves, or control heart rhythm disturbances.
Do I Have a Transposition of the Great Arteries Lawsuit?
Our attorneys are currently accepting TGA cases in all 50 states. If you or somebody you know took an antidepressant during pregnancy and your child was born with transposition of the great arteries, 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.
