Hypoplastic left heart syndrome is regarded as one of the most difficult forms of congenital heart defect to treat in the medical community; sadly, it is also one of the types of defects linked to taking the antidepressant prescription Effexor while pregnant. The severity of this birth defect coupled with its potential to be prevented (through adequately warning female patients required to Effexor pregnancy risk factors) has resulted in the filing of multiple Effexor HLHS lawsuits across the country. In a large, population-based study regarding the association between Effexor use during pregnancy and various birth defects, the risk of left ventricular outflow tract obstructions (including HLHS) was found to be increased nearly three-fold when an infant was exposed to venlafaxine (Effexor) prior to birth. If your child was born with hypoplastic left heart syndrome following Effexor exposure, your family may want to consider a birth defect lawsuit.
Effexor Hypoplastic Left Heart Syndrome
Hypoplastic Left Heart Syndrome takes place with part or all of the left side of the heart fails to develop to a critical degree. The main problem with hypoplastic left heart syndrome is that the babies are not able to get enough blood flowing throughout their body. In HLHS, the left ventricle fails to completely form and as a result is very small and nonfunctional. Effexor hypoplastic left heart syndrome can also manifest in other left heart pieces being underdeveloped and poorly functioning, including: the aorta, mitral valve, and the aortic valve. As a result of these various factors, an infant afflicted with hypoplastic left heart syndrome will be unable to provide its body with the amount of red blood that it needs in order for normal life functions.
Effexor HLHS Symptoms and Complications
When a baby is born with Effexor hypoplastic left heart syndrome, the defect and its symptoms may not be immediately detectable. However, with the passage of time, the presence of this defect will manifest through the following symptoms:
- Blue tint to skin from lack of oxygen in blood
- Cold extremities
- Fatigue
- Reduced pulse
- Poor feeding habits
- Rapid breathing/breathlessness
Once identified as having HLHS, the baby will be moved to an intensive care unit where a ventilator will most likely be used to aid in breathing. After being stabilized, the infant will need a series of 3 surgical procedures performed throughout the first 3 years of its life. In some cases, more surgery is required in adulthood if arrhythmias or other complications develop.
HLHS Lawsuit: Talk to an Effexor Birth Defects Attorney Today
The surgeries and medical attention required by a baby born with Effexor Hypoplastic Left Heart Syndrome can create a large financial and emotional burden on a family. This is why many afflicted with this congenital heart defect choose to file and Effexor HLHS lawsuit in order to seek financial damages. If your child was born with a birth defect following prenatal antidepressant exposure, call the Willis Law Firm today for your free case evaluation. Let us help you get the compensation that you may be legally entitled to.