Although Paxil commonly affects the heart and lungs of neonates, problems with the digestive tract may also occur. When the bodys natural structures fail to fuse together before birth, a fissure or opening, called cleft, develops. Cleft lip is a physical split of the two sides of the upper lip. If a part of the roof of the mouth (palate) failed to close, a condition called cleft palate occurs. There are
alternatives to Paxil considered by health care providers, especially with the current study results linking Paxil and several birth defects.
Cleft lip and cleft palate can occur both at the same time to a child. Most of the time, the cause isnt known. Genes and environmental situations are said to have caused the clefts. Experts also consider exposure to viruses and chemicals during pregnancy as a probable cause. Drug intake during pregnancy may have also caused the facial cleft. According to result of recent studies on Paxil, intake of the drug during the 1st three months of pregnancy increases the chances of having a child with cleft lip and/or cleft palate.
It is during physical examination after birth that clefts are normally observed and diagnosed. However, with the advent of technology, it can be determined while the baby is still inside the mothers womb. It is important to diagnose and treat cleft lip and palate because it can cause dental problems and feeding difficulties. Ear infections may also develop which may eventually lead to hearing loss. The voices of the kids with the condition may seem hard to understand because they sound like they are speaking through their nose. If not corrected, this may affect the kids self confidence and social participation.
Treatment of cleft lip and cleft palate is highly individualized depending on the severity of the case and it may take years for the treatment to be completed. Multiple surgeries at different stages of the childs development may be needed to achieve optimum results. With the birth defects presented, it is important for pregnant women to consult a health care provider before starting on Paxil. Studies on cleft lip and palate and other Paxil birth defects are being done to validate the association of Paxil with these malformations.
