Spina Bifida Birth Defects: Possible Causes of Congenital Injuries Explored

[IMPORTANT]

Spina Bifida Lawsuit Information

What Is Spina Bifida?

Spina bifida is a birth defect caused by a malformation of the neural tube.

When Does Spina Bifida

Occur?

It occurs when the vertebrae do not form fully, leaving a newborn's spinal cord vertabrae unfused, and exposed.

Spina Bifida Types

Spina Bifida Types

Myelomeningocele Spina bifida occulta

Meningoceles• occurs when the vertabrae

develop abnormally resulting in a small sac filled with cerebrospinal fluid extending through an opening in the spine

• the vertabrae of the spine fail to close properly, but the spinal cord and meninges remain where they should and do not protrude from the spine.

• the meninges membranes protrudes from the spine bone opening while the spinal cord has developed normally.

What Causes Spina Bifida?

Scientists suspect causal factors for spina bifida are multiple:

• Genetic• Nutritional• Environmental

It has also been alleged:

The use of SSRI antidepressants during pregnancy may be responsible for a newborn's spina bifida myelomeningocele symptoms.

What Causes Spina Bifida?

What Drugs Are Under

Investigation?

• Celexa• Effexor (Generic: Venlafaxine)• Lexapro (Generic: Escitalopram)• Paxil• Prozac• Wellbutrin• Zoloft (Generic: Sertroline)• all SSRI antidepressants

Use of Antidepressants in

Pregnancy?

American journal of Obstetrics & Gynecology published study found:

• 8.7% of women giving birth had exposure to any antidepressant

• 6.2% had exposure to a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor

• antidepressant use pregnancy exposure increased from 5.7% in1999 to 13.4% in 2003

Source: American Journal of Obstetrics & Gynecology

According to some papers:

What Does The Research Say?

• Still Inconclusive: 3 independent studies found no link between PPHN and SSRIs, while 3 studies found associations.

• Autism spectrum disorder found at higher rate in the children of 20 SSRI exposed mothers during pregnancy in another study.

• A study by Källén, et al. also found a statistically significant association between SSRI use and PPHN (the majority of exposures occurring during the first trimester)

Source: FDA SSRI Communication

Published in the Journal of Psychiatry & Neuroscience:

“As had previous researches, the author of this study concluded that in utero exposure to carbamazepine carriers an estimated 1% risk of spina bifida, significantly higher than in the general population”

A Link Between Spina Bifida &

SSRIs?

Source: National Institute of Health

A Link Between Spina Bifida &

SSRIs?

Another recent research study on selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors found taking fluoxetine and paroxetine during pregnancy may increase the risk for cardiac defects – while citalopram was found to increase the risk for spina bifida in exposed infants:

Source: National Institute of Health

SSRI exposed infants (third trimester) had increased risk for:• respiratory distress syndrome• endocrine and metabolic

disturbances• hypoglycemia• temperature regulation disorders• convulsions

Congenital Malformation Study

Congenital malformation and perinatal events research found:

Source: PDS Pharacoepidemiology & Drug Safety

According to some studies:

SSRIs & Long-Term

Developmental Effects

• Harvard research linked prenatal exposure to a nearly 2X risk for ADHD among children

• 51,000 babies studied in Norway were found to have lower language competence by age 3 when exposed to SSRIs prenatally

• Babies exposed to SSRIs in utero increases likelihood for premature birth

• Clubfoot, low birth weight and persistent pulmonary hypertension are seen at higher rates after SSRI antidepressant use by pregnant women

Medication Safety

& In Utero Effects

In most cases, medications are not tested on pregnant women, and the resulting effects to infants in utero are not understood.

Source: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

Birth Defects & Defective

Drug Lawsuits

Similar litigation filed against the manufacturers over drug injuries:

• Depakote Lawsuit (an anti-epilepsy medication which studies have linked to a high incidence of spinal defect births when taken during pregnancy)

• Tegretol Lawsuit (studies have shown may increase the risk of spinabifida in babies when taken during pregnancy)

• Antidepressant Lawsuits

So, What Now?

• If you took SSRIs and your child was diagnosed with Spina Bifida, share what happened with our experienced drug injury attorneys, there is no cost for the review of your case - the initial legal consultation is free.

Considering suing for compensation? Connect with a qualified lawsuit attorney who will make sure you are aware of your legal rights, and

ensure your voice and needs are not ignored.

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