Persistent Pulmonary Hypertension of the Newborn (PPHN) Lawyer - d'Oliveira & Associates

Persistent pulmonary hypertension of the newborn, commonly referred to as PPHN, is a complication in newborn infants that can be life threatening. PPHN is sometimes referred to as persistent fetal circulation, or PFC. PPHN is a complication in an infant’s heart and lung function.

What causes PPHN?
PPHN usually occurs within 12 hours after the infant’s birth. When an infant is in utero, they do not use their lungs to breathe. Instead, they receive oxygen from the placenta. PPHN occurs when the infant’s body does not adjust to breathing air after birth. This causes the infant’s blood to bypass the lungs, which sends the blood back to the heart in an oxygen-poor state. As a result, other organs in the body are deprived of oxygen and can be seriously damaged.

Some causes of PPHN include stress while in utero from maternal diabetes, high blood pressure, or other issues. It can also result from congenital conditions, illnesses after birth, or from the infant being deprived of oxygen during the birth process. In recent years, however, PPHN has been linked to the pregnant mother’s use of prescription medications that were originally thought to be safe for use during pregnancy. These medications include: Celexa, Effexor, Lexapro, Paxil, Pristiq, Prozac, and Zoloft.

What are the signs of PPHN?
PPHN usually develops within 12 hours of birth, but can last for varying amounts of time depending on the severity of the PPHN. Symptoms of PPHN include: rapid breathing or heartbeat, respiratory distress, and a bluish tinge to the child’s skin. Most babies who are diagnosed with PPHN require treatment in a neonatal intensive care unit, and the treatment for PPHN includes use of a ventilator or major surgery.

What are the complications from PPHN?
PPHN in a newborn is a gravely serious condition because the organs of the child are deprived of oxygen and can be severely damaged. This can cause heart failure, kidney failure, seizures, and even death. Some of the long-term effects can be seizure disorders, neurological problems, developmental delays, and hearing loss.

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Contact the Law Offices of d'Oliveira & Associates, P.C.

If you believe that your infant developed PPHN because of a prescription drug or medical malpractice, you may want to speak with a personal injury attorney regarding a potential claim. An injury lawyer familiar with new developments in the investigation of drugs that cause PPHN may be able to help you make important personal and legal decisions. d’Oliveira & Associates, P.C. is working with some of the leading lawyers in the country who are handling these cases.

Please contact the law offices of d'Oliveira & Associates, P.C. at 1-800-992-6878 or fill out a contact form for a free legal consultation.