Craniosynostosis - Paxil Birth Defect
Infant growth development defect
Craniosynostosis is a medical condition where the skull of an infant closes too early.
At birth, an infant's skull is made of of 45 separate bone elements. As the infant grows, many of these bone elements combine together to form a solid bone structure made up of 28 bones.
If one ore more of the 45 bone elements prematurely fuses or closes, the skull can be restricted and may cause an increase in intracranial pressure.
Craniosynostosis can be diagnosed through a standard physical examination as well as either X-rays or CT scans.
The National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke explains:
The first sign of craniosynostosis is an abnormally shaped skull. Other features can include signs of increased intracranial pressure, developmental delays, or mental retardation, which are caused by constriction of the growing brain. Seizures and blindness may also occur.
Is there any treatment?
Treatment for craniosynostosis generally consists of surgery to improve the symmetry and appearance of the head and to relieve pressure on the brain and the cranial nerves. For some children with less severe problems, cranial molds can reshape the skull to accommodate brain growth and improve the appearance of the head.
What is the prognosis?
The prognosis for craniosynostosis varies depending on whether single or multiple cranial sutures are involved or other abnormalities are present. The prognosis is better for those with single suture involvement and no associated abnormalities.
paxil Birth Defect study
The National Birth Defects Prevention Study (NBDPS) examined information from 9,622 infants with major birth defects and 4,092 infants without major birth defects between 1997 and 2002.
The NBDPS found an association between SSRI, like Paxil, use and three specific birth defects: a defect of the brain, one type of abnormal skull development and a gastrointestinal abnormality.
Specifically, the study showed an increased association with craniosynostosis, when a baby skull forms too early so the brain is not able to properly grow.
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