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Thu, 14 Jul 2011

Things to Know About Craniosynostosis, a Birth Defect

It is normal human behaviour to frown at something that they find uncommon. Parents whose children have congenital anomalies are not excluded from that. Craniocynostosis, an abnormal condition involving the skull is one example of a birth anomaly. An irregularly shaped head is a characteristic due to early closure of one or more sutures. The brain is rapidly increasing in size starting at birth until the 36th month of life where it reportedly triples in size. The sutures serve as the skull’s support so it can expand and accommodate the growing brain. When the sutures of the skull close at an earlier time, it is called craniocynostosis. It has no known cause but it is said that genetics and exposure to teratogens such as drugs can lead to the development of the defect. Observations led to the association of the anomaly as a Zoloft birth defects, a type of SSRI antidepressant.

Does my Child have Craniocynostosis?

The most obvious sign upon sight is an irregular head shape. Palpation of the head would show that “soft spots” or fontanels are absent or disappeared earlier than expected. There is also a raised ridge on the affected sutures and you will notice that there is slow or no increase of the baby’s head over time. The signs will not immediately show at birth but will be seen later in life. You should immediately see your doctor if you can see that your baby’s head has an unusual shape or isn’t growing as it should be.

Is There a Treatment for This Condition?

Minor cases can be left untreated since it will not have a major impact on your baby’s health and will later be covered with hair once developed. However, surgery is needed for severe cases. It is ideally done during infancy but the type and timing will be dependent on the extent and if there is an underlying condition. The goal of the surgery is to decrease the brain’s internal pressure and provide enough space for the brain to develop properly. The surgical team is composed of a surgeon specializing in brain surgeries and another which specializes with head and facial surgeries. This situation is identified as emotionally draining and can put the parents in an very anxious state so it is helpful that they can share what their experience to parents under similar conditions. It is advised to ask your physician for any support group present in your community.

Posted 09:28
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Fri, 01 Jul 2011

Study: Zoloft side effects put newborns at risk

Several studies that have been conducted over the years have pointed out the possibility of the risk of serious side effects such as birth defects to infants whose mothers were taking the anti-depressant drug Zoloft during their pregnancy.

Zoloft which is manufactured by Pfizer, Inc. is a selective serotonin re-uptake inhibitor (SSRI) used to treat several disorders because of its ability to increase the serotonin level in the brain. Zoloft has been approved to treat patients 18 years old and above of depression, social anxiety disorder, post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), panic disorder, premenstrual dyphoric disorder (PMDD); and obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) among patients aged 6-17 years old by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

However, studies conducted over the years reveal serious developmental birth defects, a potentially life-threatening lung disorder, and increased risks in premature and stillbirths as possible side effects of Zoloft and other antidepressant drugs on newborns whose mothers took the drug during their pregnancy. In fact, one study linked Zoloft to “Omphalocele”, a developmental birth defect wherein an infant is born with parts of its intestines outside the abdominal wall. It is also said to cause anencephaly wherein a baby is missing a large part of its brain and craniosynostosis wherein an infant has problems with the normal growth of its brain and skull, two brain development defects in infants, according to another study.

Aside from these birth defects, a study released in 2006 by the University of California at San Diego also revealed a significant increase of persistent pulmonary hypertension (PPHN) which is fatal soon after birth in 10 to 20 percent of cases. A mechanical aid to breathe is needed for infants who survive the infliction and they may also suffer from developmental delays, hearing loss and brain abnormalities.

The FDA had reported on the study of infants with PPHN, however, it did not require warnings about birth defects on any antidepressant except Paxil. It did, however, issue a number of alerts and warnings over the past few years in response to the studies which linked Zoloft to serious side effects on infants whose mothers had taken the drug during their pregnancy.

Despite the FDA-issued warnings, pregnant women are advised against the abrupt discontinuation of the medication as they may suffer withdrawal symptoms after giving birth. It would also be beneficial for mothers to talk to their doctors regarding these possible risks to their babies.

Posted 10:47
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