Omphalocele and SSRIs

A class of antidepressants known as SSRIs (selective seratonin reuptake inhibitors) has been linked to a significantly increased risk of omphalocele—a serious birth defect— when taken by women during the first trimester of pregnancy. If your baby was born with omphalocele and you think SSRI use may have been a factor, you should consult an attorney about your legal rights.

What Is Omphalocele?

An omphalocele is a type of birth defect in which the baby's intestines or internal organs protrude from the belly button. The condition is immediately identifiable at birth (and oftentimes even before birth by ultrasound) because the omphalocele can be clearly seen—covered only by a fine layer of tissue. The primary treatment for an omphalocele is surgery.

Research

In June 2005, researchers at the University of British Columbia, Vancouver, reported that first trimester SSRI use resulted in a threefold risk of omphalocele and that Paxil use in particular increased the risk by more than six times. The researchers noted that Paxil accounted for more than a third—36 percent—of all SSRI exposures during pregnancy.

Two years later in June 2007, the New England Journal of Medicine published more extensive research confirming the link between the use of specific SSRIs and omphalocele. According to the study, four of the most popular SSRIs—Zoloft, Paxil, Prozac, and Celexa—pose a heightened risk of omphalocele, craniosynostosis (a birth defect characterized by the premature closure of the fibrous joints (sutures) between the bones of the skull), and anencephaly.

Was Your Child Born with Omphalocele?

If your baby was born with omphalocele and you suspect SSRI use is to blame, you may be able to hold the drug's maker responsible for your damages. Depending on the circumstances of your case, you and your family may be entitled to recover compensation for your medical expenses as well as any emotional or other financial losses.

An experienced defective drug attorney can help determine whether or not SSRI use is responsible for your child's omphalocele and if so, help you plan the most appropriate course of action. Let a qualified defective drug attorney help you today.

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