The rare congenital birth defect referred to as Ebstein’s anomaly is characterized by a malfunctioning tricuspid valve. The defective valve allows blood to leak back through where it originally came from. The result of the malfunctioning valve inevitably makes the heart work less efficiently and may lead to severe and potentially life threatening side effects including heart failure. In this article we will discuss the signs and symptoms, causes, risk factors, complications, tests and diagnosis of Ebstein’s anomaly.
If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with Ebstein’s anomaly after taking an antidepressant, you should contact our lawyers immediately for a free confidential case evaluation. You may be entitled to compensation for your injuries and we can help.
Signs & Symptoms of Ebstein’s Anomaly
Symptoms of Ebstein’s anomaly can vary from mild to severe and may even remain dormant until adulthood. However, if symptoms are present, they may include shortness of breath, fatigue, swelling in the legs, heart palpitations and a blush discoloration of the skin due to a lack of oxygen flow through the blood.
Causes of Ebstein’s Anomaly
For the most part, doctors agree that the specific causes of Ebstein’s anomaly in children remain unknown. However, in July 2006, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) issued a warning about the heart defects risk caused by using antidepressants during pregnancy. Antidepressants have been linked to an increased risk of Ebstein’s anomaly in children born to mothers who took them during pregnancy. The following is a list of antidepressant medications that have been linked to this type of birth defect:
- Paroxetine
- Zoloft (Sertraline)
- Celexa (Citalopram)
- Prozac (Fluoxetine)
- Lexapro (Escitalopram)
- Fluvoxamine
- Symbyax (fluoxetine and olanzapine)
- Bupropion
- Effexor (Venlafaxine)
Ebstein’s Anomaly Risk Factors
Ebstein’s Anomaly, like all congenital birth defects, occurs during the earliest developmental stages of a baby’s heart. A pregnant mother’s exposure to medications like the antidepressants listed above may increase the risk of her child to develop Ebstein’s anomaly.
Ebstein’s Anomaly Complications
Many who suffer from Ebstein’s anomaly are confronted with very few complications. However, they may need to take more precautions in situations that involve putting extra strain on the heart. High levels of activity and pregnancy are two situations in which people with Ebstein’s anomaly may want to take extra precautions because of the toll they take on the heart. More serious complications that may result from Ebstein’s anomaly include heart failure, heart rhythm problems, sudden cardiac arrest or stroke.
Ebstein’s anomaly Tests & Diagnosis
Tests that can help diagnose Ebstein’s anomaly include:
- Chest X-ray
- Electrocardiogram
- Echocardiogram
- Cardiac catheterization
- Cardiac MRI
- Holter monitor testing
Do I have a Ebstein’s Anomaly Lawsuit?
The trial lawyers at The Senators (Ret.) Firm, LLP have decades of experience navigating through complex legislative and regulatory issues and litigating high stakes cases all over the nation. Our law firm focuses on the representation of plaintiffs in Ebstein’s anomaly lawsuits. We are currently accepting new cases in all 50 states.
Again, if you or a loved one has been diagnosed with Ebstein’s anomaly after taking an antidepressant, you should contact our lawyers immediately by clicking the link below or calling toll free 1-(949) 557-5800. You may be entitled to compensation for your injuries and we can help.