What causes spina bifida? The following examines the data for and against an antidepressant (SSRI) causal link for congenital spina bifida and other malformations in newborns. We gathered some of the important research studies and shared their findings. Allegations have been made that a number of developmental problems and congenital injuries are caused by prenatal SSRI exposure. Are these drugs dangerous or is it just tort attorneys looking for big pockets. Our spina bifida lawyers are investigating claims from families whose babies were born with complications. If your child was exposed in utero to an anti-depressant, and was born with a congenital defect, visit our site and share what happened immediately to get more information on possible lawsuit options which may be available.

1. [IMPORTANT]
Spina Bifida Lawsuit Information

2. What Is Spina Bifida?
Spina bifida is a birth defect
caused by a malformation of the
neural tube.

3. When Does Spina Bifida
Occur?
It occurs when the vertebrae do not
form fully, leaving a newborn's
spinal cord vertabrae unfused, and
exposed.

4. Spina Bifida Types
Spina Bifida Types
Myelomeningocele Spina bifida occulta
Meningoceles• occurs when the vertabrae
develop abnormally resulting in a
small sac filled with cerebrospinal
fluid extending through an
opening in the spine
• the vertabrae of the spine fail to
close properly, but the spinal cord
and meninges remain where they
should and do not protrude from
the spine.
• the meninges membranes
protrudes from the spine bone
opening while the spinal cord has
developed normally.

5. What Causes Spina Bifida?
Scientists suspect causal factors for
spina bifida are multiple:
• Genetic
• Nutritional
• Environmental

6. It has also been alleged:
The use of SSRI
antidepressants during
pregnancy may be responsible
for a newborn's spina bifida
myelomeningocele symptoms.
What Causes Spina Bifida?

7. What Drugs Are Under
Investigation?
• Celexa
• Effexor (Generic: Venlafaxine)
• Lexapro (Generic: Escitalopram)
• Paxil
• Prozac
• Wellbutrin
• Zoloft (Generic: Sertroline)
• all SSRI antidepressants

8. Use of Antidepressants in
Pregnancy?
American journal of Obstetrics &
Gynecology published study
found:
• 8.7% of women giving birth had
exposure to any antidepressant
• 6.2% had exposure to a selective
serotonin reuptake inhibitor
• antidepressant use pregnancy
exposure increased from 5.7% in
1999 to 13.4% in 2003
Source: American Journal of Obstetrics & Gynecology

9. According to some papers:
What Does The Research Say?
• Still Inconclusive: 3 independent studies found no link between
PPHN and SSRIs, while 3 studies found associations.
• Autism spectrum disorder found at higher rate in the children of 20
SSRI exposed mothers during pregnancy in another study.
• A study by Källén, et al. also found a statistically significant
association between SSRI use and PPHN (the majority of exposures
occurring during the first trimester)
Source: FDA SSRI Communication

10. Published in the Journal of Psychiatry &
Neuroscience:
“As had previous researches, the author
of this study concluded that in utero
exposure to carbamazepine carriers an
estimated 1% risk of spina bifida,
significantly higher than in the general
population”
A Link Between Spina Bifida &
SSRIs?
Source: National Institute of Health

11. A Link Between Spina Bifida &
SSRIs?
Another recent research study on selective
serotonin reuptake inhibitors found taking
fluoxetine and paroxetine during pregnancy may
increase the risk for cardiac defects – while
citalopram was found to increase the risk for
spina bifida in exposed infants:
Source: National Institute of Health

12. SSRI exposed infants (third trimester)
had increased risk for:
• respiratory distress syndrome
• endocrine and metabolic
disturbances
• hypoglycemia
• temperature regulation disorders
• convulsions
Congenital Malformation Study
Congenital malformation and perinatal
events research found:
Source: PDS Pharacoepidemiology & Drug Safety

13. According to some studies:
SSRIs & Long-Term
Developmental Effects
• Harvard research linked prenatal exposure to a nearly 2X risk for
ADHD among children
• 51,000 babies studied in Norway were found to have lower language
competence by age 3 when exposed to SSRIs prenatally
• Babies exposed to SSRIs in utero increases likelihood for premature
birth
• Clubfoot, low birth weight and persistent pulmonary hypertension
are seen at higher rates after SSRI antidepressant use by pregnant
women

14. Medication Safety
& In Utero Effects
In most cases, medications are not tested on pregnant women,
and the resulting effects to infants in utero are not understood.
Source: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

15. Birth Defects & Defective
Drug Lawsuits
Similar litigation filed against the
manufacturers over drug injuries:
• Depakote Lawsuit (an anti-epilepsy
medication which studies have
linked to a high incidence of spinal
defect births when taken during
pregnancy)
• Tegretol Lawsuit (studies have
shown may increase the risk of spina
bifida in babies when taken during
pregnancy)
• Antidepressant Lawsuits

16. So, What Now?
• If you took SSRIs and your child was
diagnosed with Spina Bifida, share what
happened with our experienced drug
injury attorneys, there is no cost for the
review of your case - the initial legal
consultation is free.

17. Considering suing for compensation?
Connect with a qualified lawsuit attorney who will
make sure you are aware of your legal rights, and
ensure your voice and needs are not ignored.
www.LawsuitLegal.com
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