There are many medical conditions that leave doctors baffled as to how and why a patient has had to experience such an event. When the patient in question is a newborn baby the answers can be even more difficult to come by; especially when the condition surfaces directly at birth. Such is the case with a little understood and very rare condition known as Persistent Pulmonary Hypertension of the Newborn, or PPHN; a disease that affects newborn babies and can result in respiratory distress and even death.

PPHN constricts the arteries and impacts a child’s ability to pump their own blood to their lungs, where blood would ordinarily be oxygenated and oxygen then pumped through the bloodstream. When inadequate blood supply reaches the lungs there is a dangerously low level of oxygen in the body. Babies with PPHN must be treated aggressively and are often ventilated to deliver the appropriate level of oxygen to their bodies. Even with treatment, many babies who suffer from PPHN do not win their battle against this life-threatening illness.

PPHN is terrifying enough; but the potential cause of PPHN is just as frightening. There has been shown a direct connection between the mother’s taking of Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRIs) during pregnancy and a higher than average incidence of PPHN. However, there was little known or understand about the connection between SSRIs such as Paxil®, until mid-2006 when a public warning was issued. Even still, Paxil® continues to be used during pregnancy as much because there are still those who are ill informed about the possible consequences.

Paxil® attorneys in California, however, are working with families affected by PPHN in an effort to get more information to the public regarding this terrifying condition. By bringing the issue to court and working on behalf of families to get them the financial restitution they deserve, Paxil® attorneys in California are getting the word out about the connection between Paxil® and PPHN so that pregnant women can protect their babies from a more informed position.

Popularity: 41% [?]

Share This