An Atrial Septal Defect (ASD) is a congenital heart defect in which there is an opening between two chambers of the heart. If untreated, it can cause lung damage. SSRIs, antidepressants, Depakote, Depakene, pain medication, and other medications taken during pregnancy have been linked to several serious, life-threatening birth defects of the heart, including Atrial Septal Defect.
Do I Have an Atrial Septal Defect Lawsuit? Collen A. Clark is a true advocate for his clients and is passionate about helping Texans that have been injured or wronged. If you or a loved one has given birth to a child with a birth defect after taking an SSRI, antidepressant, Oxycontin, Oxycodone, Codeine, cough syrup, or asthma medication during pregnancy, you should contact our lawyers immediately. You may be entitled to compensation by filing a birth defect lawsuit.
What drugs have been linked to Atrial Septal Defect?
SSRIs and Antidepressants
- Paxil, Seroxat (paroxetine)
- Zoloft, Lustral (sertraline)
- Celexa (citalopram)
- Lexapro, Cipralex (escitalopram)
- Symbyax (fluxetine and olanzapine)
- Wellbutrin, Zyban (bupropion)
- Effexor (vanlafaxine)
Anti-Seizure Medications – These medications are often prescribed to prevent seizures, manic-depressive disorders, migraines, and other off-label uses (usually psychiatric conditions). These medications include:
- Depacon
- Depakene
- Depakote
- Depakote CP
- Depakote ER
- Stavzor
Pain Medication / Cough Medicine
The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) have published a new study in the American Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology regarding maternal use of opioids and an increased risk of congenital heart defects, such as Atrial Septal Defects. Opioid analgesics are drugs used to treat pain. Low doses are also found in some cough medicines. These medications include:
- Oxycontin
- Oxycodone
- Codeine
- Some Cough Medication
Asthma Medications
A CDC study found that mothers who take asthma medications (known as bronchodilators) had an increased risk of having babies born with cardiac malformations, such as Atrial Septal Defect.
Atrial Septal Defect Overview
An Atrial Septal Defect (ASD) is essentially a hole in the heart. It is an opening in the atrial septum, the wall of tissue that separates two chambers of the heart. ASD is a congenital heart defect, which means that it is present at birth. Usually, it is a mild defect, but severe cases may require surgical repair.
ASD is concerning because, if left untreated, it may cause lung damage. Because there is an opening in the heart, too much blood flows into the right side of the heart, and is then pumped into the lungs. The blood vessels in the lungs undergo high blood pressure, which over time, can become diseased and damaged.
Signs & Symptoms of Arial Septal Defect
Most children who have an ASD do not have any signs. A physician performing a physical examination will listen to the child’s heart and lungs, and may hear a “murmur” that will aid in diagnosis. Chest X-rays or an echocardiogram can also help a physician diagnose ASD.
Moderate to severe cases of ASD will have notable symptoms. Symptoms may include:
- Child tires easily while playing
- Fatigue
- Sweating
- Rapid Breathing
- Shortness of breath
- Poor growth
Treatment & Prognosis
Most children with an Atrial Septal Defect have no symptoms, and require no medications. An ASD may also close on its own as the child grows older, and if it is diagnosed early, a cardiologist will probably recommend that the child be evaluated as he/she grows older. If the ASD has not closed on its own by the time the child starts school, an operation may be required to close the opening.
The least invasive procedure for closing an ASD involves making an incision in the groin, and then inserting a catheter up into the heart with a device for closing the ASD in the heart.
People who are born with ASD are at a higher risk of developing the following serious complications:
- Atrial fibrillation (in adults)
- Heart failure
- Pulmonary overcirculation
- Pulmonary hypertension
- Stroke
Do I Have an Atrial Septal Defect Lawsuit?
For a free consultation, please contact Collen A. Clark at The Clark Firm, LLP immediately. You may be entitled to compensation by filing an Atrial Septal Defect lawsuit.
Collen’s amazing success in the courtroom and well known dedication to his clients has earned him the recognition of his peers as one of The Top Trial Lawyers in Texas.”
The Clark Firm has assembled a team of trial lawyers with more that 100 years experience, participation in over 600 jury trials and $60 million in verdicts and/or settlements. Please use the form below to contact us for a free birth defect lawsuit review.