The risks of cleft lip in newborns
Cleft lip, often associated with cleft palate is a facial and oral malformation that occurs in the early stages of the pregnancy. It appears when the tissues that form the upper lip fail to fuse, leaving a gap between the two sides of the lip. The opening in the lip often extends beyond the base of the nose and includes the bones of the upper jaw and gum. Cleft palate consists in a gap in the roof of the mouth. The two malformations can appear separately or together.
Cleft lip is the fourth most common birth defect in the United States affecting more often babies of Asian, Latino or Native American origin. Among the factors that cause it we can find genetic structure, viruses or toxins and different types of medication. However in many cases the cause of the problem will remain unknown.
One of the prescription drugs that are known to have as side effect the development of clefts is Topamax. The anti-seizure medication was initially used to treat epilepsy, but it is more often prescribed to prevent migraine due to its capacity of widening blood vessels in the brain. In 2011 the U.S. Food and Drug Administration issued a warning regarding the increased risk of birth injuries and the use of the drug. Topamax cleft lip is more likely to occur if the mother takes the medication during the first trimester of the pregnancy, when the basic structures of the fetus develop. In some cases the condition can be diagnosed even before birth but it will become obvious after delivery.
Individuals born with this malformation will have difficulties eating, speaking, dental problems and might suffer hearing loss. Fortunately clefts can be treated, but it will be a long term, expensive and painful procedure. Treatment usually begins in infancy and continues through early adulthood. A series of medical specialists will contribute to the rehabilitation process, including oral surgeon, plastic surgeon, orthodontist and speech therapist. The procedure will consist in surgeries, including plastic surgery and bone and dental implant.
If all these problems were caused by a medication, parents of affected children might want to consult a personal injury lawyer. An experienced attorney can investigate the details of a case and establish whether there is a valid legal claim. If plaintiffs can prove that the medication was indeed the cause of the injury, they can file a product liability lawsuit and obtain financial compensation to cover the costs of medical treatments.
Cleft lip is the fourth most common birth defect in the United States affecting more often babies of Asian, Latino or Native American origin. Among the factors that cause it we can find genetic structure, viruses or toxins and different types of medication. However in many cases the cause of the problem will remain unknown.
One of the prescription drugs that are known to have as side effect the development of clefts is Topamax. The anti-seizure medication was initially used to treat epilepsy, but it is more often prescribed to prevent migraine due to its capacity of widening blood vessels in the brain. In 2011 the U.S. Food and Drug Administration issued a warning regarding the increased risk of birth injuries and the use of the drug. Topamax cleft lip is more likely to occur if the mother takes the medication during the first trimester of the pregnancy, when the basic structures of the fetus develop. In some cases the condition can be diagnosed even before birth but it will become obvious after delivery.
Individuals born with this malformation will have difficulties eating, speaking, dental problems and might suffer hearing loss. Fortunately clefts can be treated, but it will be a long term, expensive and painful procedure. Treatment usually begins in infancy and continues through early adulthood. A series of medical specialists will contribute to the rehabilitation process, including oral surgeon, plastic surgeon, orthodontist and speech therapist. The procedure will consist in surgeries, including plastic surgery and bone and dental implant.
If all these problems were caused by a medication, parents of affected children might want to consult a personal injury lawyer. An experienced attorney can investigate the details of a case and establish whether there is a valid legal claim. If plaintiffs can prove that the medication was indeed the cause of the injury, they can file a product liability lawsuit and obtain financial compensation to cover the costs of medical treatments.
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