spina bifida birth defects: possible causes of congenital injuries explored
TRANSCRIPT
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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