About PPHN of the Newborn

The PPHN lawyers at the Simmons firm are dedicated to helping families who have infants with Persistent Pulmonary Hypertension of the Newborn (PPHN), sometimes called "Persistent Fetal Circulation." 

PPHN, or persistent pulmonary hypertension in newborns, can sometimes be the result of antidepressants being taken during pregnancy. PPHN is a very rare, but life-threatening condition. These antidepressants include: Paxil, Zoloft, Prozac, Celexa, Cipralex, Effexor, Luvox, and Remeron.

Persistent pulmonary hypertension of the newborn (PPHN) occurs immediately at birth when a baby takes its first breath. In healthy babies when they take their first breaths, their blood pressure falls  and increases blood flow to the lungs. Carbon dioxide and oxygen are exchanged and the oxygen rich blood is returned to the rest of the body. The ductus arteriosus constructs and permanently closes. In babies with PPHN, however, the pressure in the lungs remain high and the ductus arterious remains open, causing blood to flow away from the lungs.

The PPHN lawyers at the Simmons Firm are extremely concerned about the association between certain SSRI-antidepressants and Persistent Pulmonary Hypertension in newborns (PPHN). On July 19, 2006 the FDA issued a public health warning and urged the manufacturers of certain SSRI-antidepressants to change their prescribing information to describe the potential risk of PPHN.

If you took an SSRI during the first trimester of pregnancy, and your newborn had respiratory complications during his or her first minutes of life, we would like to speak with you. Contact our birth injury lawyers today. We are investigating the link between SSRIs and PPHN and whether drug manufacturers hid the dangers of the popular medications.

CONTACT THE SIMMONS LAW FIRM

Are you interested in learning about the other legal matters our practice handles, including mesothelioma, commercial, intellectual property, defective medical devices and pharmaceutical litigation? Contact the Simmons Law Firm today.  We can help you get answers to your legal questions regarding PPHN and other legal matters with a free legal consultation.