The Schmidt Firm, PLLC is actively handling transposition of the great vessels lawsuits in all 50 states. If you or somebody you know took an antidepressant while pregnant and your child has TGV, 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 Transposition of the Great Vessels (TGV)?
Transposition of the great vessels is a rare but extremely serious congenital (present at birth) heart defect in which the two major vessels that carry blood away from the heart – the aorta and pulmonary artery – are switched (transposed) and in opposite positions. In normal hearts, oxygen-depleted blood from the right ventricle goes through the pulmonary artery to the lung to get oxygenated. The oxygen-rich blood goes to the left ventricle, from which it gets ejected to the aorta to the rest of the body. In transposition of the great vessels, the oxygen-depleted blood from the right ventricle goes directly to the aorta to supply the rest of the body. This is not compatible with life, since the body is deprived of oxygen-rich blood. TGV is classified as a cyanotic heart defect because the condition results in insufficiently oxygenated blood pumped to the body, which leads to cyanosis (a bluish-purple coloration of the skin) and shortness of breath.
What Causes Transposition of the Great Vessels?
The following antidepressants are linked to the development of TGV 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 Vessels: Signs & Symptoms
Signs and symptoms of transposition of the great vessels in newborns include bluish colored skin (cyanosis), shortness of breath, poor weight gain, clubbing of the fingers or toes, and poor feeding. Your healthcare provider may diagnose the condition by detecting a heart murmur while listening to the chest with a stethoscope. The baby’s mouth and skin will be a blue color.
Do I Have a Transposition of the Great Vessels Lawsuit?
Our attorneys are currently accepting TGV 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 vessels, 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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