Patent ductus arteriosus (PDA) is a congenital heart defect that is characterized by a persistent opening between two major blood vessels leading away from the heart. As a result, too much blood is allowed to flow through the heart causing it to over exert itself. If neglected, PDA can lead to heart failure or other serious complications. In this article we will discuss the signs and symptoms, causes, risk factors, complications, tests and diagnosis for patent ductus arteriosus.
If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with patent ductus arteriosus 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 Patent Ductus Arteriosus
Symptoms of patent ductus arteriosus may vary greatly depending on the size of the defect. A small patent ductus arteriosus may develop no signs or symptoms. However, a large PDA can lead to heart failure or other serious complications. Symptoms of a larger PDA may include:
- Poor eating habits
- Chronic sweating
- Shortness of breath
- Easy tiring
- Rapid heart rate
- Frequent lung infections
- Bluish discoloration of the skin
- Death
Causes of Patent Ductus Arteriosus
For the most part, doctors agree that the specific causes of patent ductus arteriosus 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 patent ductus arteriosus 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)
Risk Factors of Patent Ductus Arteriosus
Risk factors associated with patent ductus arteriosus include:
- The use of antidepressant medications during pregnancy
- Premature birth
- Having other heart defects
- Family history
- Rubella infection during pregnancy
- Poorly controlled diabetes during pregnancy
- Excessive use of alcohol or illicit drugs during pregnancy
For more information on the risk factors associated with patent ductus arteriosus,
please visit Mayoclinic.com.
Complications of Patent Ductus Arteriosus
Complications associated with patent ductus arteriosus include:
- High blood pressure
- Heart failure
- Endocarditis
- Irregular heartbeat
- Death
Tests & Diagnosis of Patent Ductus Arteriosus
The initial detection of patent ductus arteriosus is discovered by listening to the child’s heartbeat. However, further diagnosis is required to confirm PDA and can be achieved through the following tests:
- Echocardiogram
- Chest X-ray
- Electrocardiogram
- Cardiac catheterization
- CT scan
- MRI
Do I have a Patent Ductus Arteriosus 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 patent ductus arteriosus lawsuits. We are currently accepting new cases in all 50 states.
Again, if you or a loved one has been diagnosed with patent ductus arteriosus after taking an antidepressant, you should contact our lawyers immediately by clicking the link below or calling toll free 1-800-773-0849. You may be entitled to compensation for your injuries and we can help.