Wellbutrin Lawsuits Class Action
Wellbutrin (also known as bupropion) is a popular prescription medication that is used to treat depression. It is also used by many people who wish to stop smoking. When this drug is taken during the early stage of pregnancy, it increases the likelihood of several congenital defects. Abnormal fetal development can lead to malformations of the cranium, abdomen, and heart. One particularly of the serious Wellbutrin heart defects is called hypoplastic left heart syndrome (HLHS). It is rare. However, if it is left untreated, the condition is usually fatal. Families are continuing to file individual claims and there is no national Wellbutrin lawsuits class action that covers all cases.
What Is Hypoplastic Left Heart Syndrome?
Hypoplastic left heart syndrome is a disorder that affects the heart’s left-sided chambers. Normally, blood enters the right atrium, is pumped to the right ventricle, and is then pumped to the lungs for oxygen. Once blood has been oxygenated by the lungs, it flows to the left atrium, which pumps it to the left ventricle. From there, blood is pumped out of the heart and into the aorta, after which it circulates throughout the body.
With HLHS, the left atrium and ventricle are severely underdeveloped. Both chambers are very small, and thus incapable of pumping blood effectively. Other structures in the left side are also affected. For example, the mitral valve, which regulates blood flow between the left atrium and ventricle, is small and underdeveloped. So too is the aortic valve, which opens to allow blood to be pumped to the aorta.
Lastly, the aorta itself is affected. The vessel is constricted, which limits the volume of blood that is able to flow through it. The aorta is the largest artery in the body, and responsible for delivering oxygen-rich blood to the organs and tissues. Its dramatically reduced size poses a serious health risk.
Because the aorta and left-sided structures of the heart are smaller than normal, less blood is circulated into the infant’s body. The heart essentially becomes unable to perform its job. If the condition is not resolved – usually via surgery – the baby will likely die.
Symptoms And Side Effects Of The Condition
Signs of hypoplastic left heart syndrome display immediately following the baby’s birth. While every case is unique, common symptoms include rapid breathing, an accelerated heart rate, and abnormally cold extremities (i.e. hands and feet). Cyanosis is also common since oxygen-rich blood is unable to reach the newborn’s tissues.
Even if this disorder is successfully treated, it is likely the infant will suffer from one or more side effects throughout her life. In addition to slow development, these can include arrhythmias, abnormal clotting, chronic diarrhea, and strokes. In severe cases, the baby may suffer heart failure later in life.
How Hypoplastic Left Heart Syndrome Is Treated
Once a diagnosis of HLHS has been conclusively made, the congenital defect is treated with medications and surgery. Drugs are used to open the blood vessels are widely as possible to encourage blood flow. Surgery takes one of two approaches.
The first approach involves three stages, performed over a period of two or three years. During the first stage, the aorta is reconstructed and attached directly to the right ventricle. The chamber can then send blood to the lungs as well as the rest of the body. During the second stage, surgical adjustments are made to allow some blood to flow directly from the body to the lungs. During the final stage, additional adjustments are made to allow all of the body’s blood to flow to the lungs. This is a delicate process, and the infant’s survival is not guaranteed.
The second approach is to perform a heart transplant.
Hypoplastic left heart syndrome is clearly a serious condition, as are many Wellbutrin heart defects in newborns. If treatment is not delivered, the infant’s body will eventually shut down. If you used this SSRI drug during pregnancy, and have a child who suffers from a heart-related birth defect, you may be eligible to file a Wellbutrin lawsuit 2011 claim. Contact a Wellbutrin birth defects lawyer to discuss your case.