Esophageal Atresia is a birth defect affecting the esophagus, in which the esophagus does not connect to the stomach, or has abnormal connections. Mothers who took certain prescription medications during pregnancy are at a greater risk of having babies with serious, life-threatening birth defects, such as Esophageal Atresia. At Schmidt & Clark, LLP, we are investigating potential cases on behalf of families whose infants have been harmed by prescription drugs.

Esophageal Atresia Lawsuit Review: If you or somebody you know has a child that has been diagnosed with Esophageal Atresia after being exposed to a prescription medication in the womb, you should contact our lawyers immediately. Consultations are always free. Please use our confidential email contact form or call toll free 24 hrs/day by dialing (866) 223-3784.

Which medications have been linked to Esophageal Atresia?

The following prescription drugs have been linked to birth defects, such as Esophageal Atresia:

  • Paxil (paroxetine)
  • Zoloft (sertraline)
  • Celexa (citalopram)
  • Prozac (fluoxetine)
  • Lexapro (escitalopram)
  • Symbyax (fluoxetine and olanzapine)
  • Wellbutrin (bupropion)
  • Effexor (venlafaxine)
  • Clomid (clomiphene citrate)

What is Esophageal Atresia?

Esophageal Atresia is a congenital birth defect (present at birth) affecting the esophagus. The esophagus is the tube that connects the throat and the stomach. In this disorder, the esophagus does not form properly while the fetus is developing. Instead of forming a single tube, it forms two separate tubes.

There may be other complications, if an esophageal tube connects to the windpipe. See Also: Tracheoesophageal fistula (TEF)

About one in 3000 to 5000 babies born in the United States is born with an esophageal birth defect.

Signs & Symptoms of Esophageal Atresia

Like many congenital birth defects, EA is not a problem for the baby before it is born, when it receives nutrition from the mother’s placenta. EA is diagnosed when the baby is born and feeding is unsuccessful. Because food cannot reach the baby’s stomach, it usually begins to cough, choke, and turn blue. However, each child may experience symptoms differently. Usually, the first step is trying to insert a feeding tube. If an infant has EA, the feeding tube cannot pass into the stomach. The pediatric physician will have to to an X-ray on the chest/abdomen for a conclusive diagnosis.

Symptoms to look for immediately after birth:

  • Frothy white bubbles in the mouth
  • Coughing or choking when feeding
  • Vomiting
  • Blue color of the skin, especially when the baby is feeding
  • Difficulty breathing
  • Very round, full abdomen

Treatment & Prognosis

Surgery is required to treat Esophageal Atresia. Repair of EA depends on how close the separated sections of the esophagus are to each other, so the course of treatment will be different for each patient. Sometimes, multiple surgeries are necessary.

In the most severe cases, so much of the esophagus is missing that the ends can’t be easily connected with surgery. This is called “long-gap esophageal atresia.” If the EA cannot be repaired within a few days, a gastric tube is placed directly into the stomach. This allows the baby to be fed until the esophagus can be reconstructed and the baby can take food by mouth.

Children born with EA may also have long-term problems, usually due to impaired swallowing. In a condition known as peristalsis, a child has problems with the normal movement of foods and liquids down the esophagus. Also, scars that remain after reconstructive surgery can partially block food from entering the stomach.

Although EA can be life-threatening in the most severe cases, the majority of children recover if it is detected early.

Is there a time limit in filing an Esophageal Atresia birth defect lawsuit?

Although we encourage all our potential clients to take great care in selecting their Esophageal Atresia lawyer, it is important that you understand that time is of the essence. The applicable statute of limitations in your state may bar your claim. Furthermore, we are unable to provide you with legal advice without first evaluating your potential case. Accordingly, please take the time now to contact us by using the confidential email contact form below or by calling us toll free 24 hrs/day by dialing (866) 223-3784.

We hope we will be able to assist you with your potential Esophageal Atresia birth defect lawsuit and look forward to speaking with you.


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