Arizona Zofran Heart Defects Lawsuit

Congenital heart defects refer to a problem within the structure of the heart. They are the most common birth defect in Arizona and occur within the first month of pregnancy, when the baby’s heart is developing.While heart defects are generally caused by multiple factors, a connection has been found between Zofran and a newborn’s heart conditions. An Arizona Zofran heart defects lawsuit may be necessary for your family to retrieve compensation for the struggles your family will face in life. More than 32,000 babies are born with a heart defect every year in the United States. Heart defects range in severity, from barely noticeable to demanding immediate treatment. A Zofran birth defects lawsuit attorney at Knapp & Roberts has expertise in this realm, and understands how heart defects affect a person’s future.

Congenital heart defects can affect the way the heart pumps blood through the system. Blood flow may be slowed, misdirected, or completely blocked off. Many heart defects can be diagnosed with a fetal echocardiography, which measures sound waves of the baby’s heart. When detected before birth, treatment plans can be developed early, and prognosis is usually more favorable. Sometimes, medications can be administered before birth to prevent further damage to the heart. In other cases, treatment cannot be started until immediately after birth. 

Types and Causes

Though there are many heart defect types, the most common in Arizona are as follows:

• Anomalous pulmonary venous return
• Atrial septal defect (ASD)
• Atrioventricular septal defect (AVSD)
• Aortic valve stenosis
• Coarctation of the aorta
• Ebstein’s anomaly
• Patent auctus arteriosus (PDA)
• Pulmonary valve astresis
• Pulmonary valve stenosis
• Tetralogy of Fallot
• Transportation of the great arteries or vessels
• Tricuspid valve atresia
• Truncus arteriosus
• Ventricular septal defect (VSD)

The exact cause of congenital heart defects is unknown, but are thought to be a combination of hereditary causes and environmental factors. Diabetes, seizure disorders, and other chronic conditions may play a part in development. Additionally, women who smoke, drink alcohol, or take certain medications like Zofran during pregnancy may be more likely to give birth to a child with a heart defect.

Signs and Symptoms

Symptoms of heart defects can vary greatly, but the most common signs at birth in Arizona include:

• A noticeable heart murmur.
• A bluish tint to skin, lips, and fingernails.
• Poor feeding in infants who tire easily.
• Poor weight gain.

Severity of signs and symptoms can range from mild and barely noticeable to life-threatening. Over time, heart defects cause the heart to work harder than it should have to. In older children, this is usually evident in tiring easily or running out of breath quickly during physical activities. Sometimes, an overworked heart may result in heart failure, which manifests as shortness of breath or trouble breathing, constant fatigue, a buildup of fluid in the lungs, and swelling of the extremities.

Treatment

Due to ever-advancing medicine, most congenital heart defects can be treated in Arizona. Treatment usually entails correction with surgery, medicine, or special devices, like stents, artificial valves, and pacemakers. Catheter procedures (like stents) have increased in popularity over the past 20 years, as they are easier to perform and are much less invasive than surgery. However, in more severe cases, invasive surgery or heart transplants may be necessary in Arizona. Most surgeries are performed before the child reaches the age of two. With early detection and appropriate treatment, the defect is often repairable and the prognosis is generally good. 

Medications and Congenital or Adult Heart Disease

Although congenital heart defects are thought to be multifactorial, certain medications have been linked to defects in heart development, and some medications can cause heart problems in adults. Anti-seizure medications and certain medications like Zofran have been linked to birth defects. Some pain, acid reflux, and diabetes medications have been linked to causing heart problems in adults. If you have taken medication during your pregnancy and have a child with a heart defect, or if you are an adult who took medication and recently developed cardiovascular issues, contact the law offices of Knapp & Roberts today for a consultation. You may be eligible to receive Zofran birth defects compensation from an Arizona Zofran heart defects lawsuit.