Depakote Cleft Palate

What is a Cleft Palate?

Cleft palate is a condition in which the two plates of the skull that form the hard palate (roof of the mouth) are not completely joined. The soft palate is in these cases cleft as well. In most cases, cleft lip is also present. Cleft palate occurs in about one in 700 live births worldwide. Palate cleft can occur as complete (soft and hard palate, possibly including a gap in the jaw) or incomplete (a 'hole' in the roof of the mouth, usually as a cleft soft palate). When cleft palate occurs, the uvula is usually split. It occurs due to the failure of fusion of the lateral palatine processes, the nasal septum, and/or the median palatine processes (formation of the secondary palate). The hole in the roof of the mouth caused by a cleft connects the mouth directly to the nasal cavity. A direct result of an open connection between the oral cavity and nasal cavity is velopharyngeal inadequacy (VPI). Because of the gap, air leaks into the nasal cavity resulting in a hypernasal voice resonance and nasal emissions.

Causes of Cleft Palate

The development of the face is coordinated by complex morphogenetic events and rapid proliferative expansion, and is thus highly susceptible to teratogenic drugs (such as Depakote, Depakene, Depakote ER, Depakote Sprinkle, Divalproex Sodium and Valproate Sodium, environmental and genetic factors. During the first six to eight weeks of pregnancy, the shape of the embryo's head is formed. Five primitive tissue lobes grow, and if these tissues fail to meet, a gap appears where the tissues should have joined. This may happen in any single joining site, or simultaneously in several or all of them. The resulting birth defect reflects the locations and severity of individual fusion failures. Formation of the palate is the last step in joining the five embryonic facial lobes. The way they are fused together, is quite complex and obscure despite intensive scientific research. Genetic factors contributing to cleft lip and cleft palate formation have been identified for some syndromic cases, but knowledge about genetic factors that contribute to the more common isolated cases of cleft lip/palate is still patchy.

Environmental influences may also cause, or interact with genetics to produce, orofacial clefting. In humans, fetal cleft lip and other congenital abnormalities have also been linked to maternal hypoxia. Other environmental factors that have been studied include: seasonal causes (such as pesticide exposure); maternal diet and vitamin intake; retinoids - which are members of the vitamin A family; anticonvulsant drugs such as Depakote; nitrate compounds; organic solvents; parental exposure to lead; and illegal drugs.

Complications of Cleft Palate

A cleft may cause problems with feeding, ear disease, speech and socialization. Due to lack of suction, an infant with a cleft may have trouble feeding. A large hole, crosscut, or slit in the nipple, a protruding nipple and rhythmically squeezing the bottle insert can result in controllable flow to the infant. Since learning to speak is related to hearing, babies with palatal clefts may have compromised hearing and therefore, if the baby cannot hear, it cannot try to mimic the sounds of speech. Because the lips and palate are both used in pronunciation, individuals with cleft usually need the aid of a speech therapist.

Diagnosis of Cleft Palate

Traditionally, the diagnosis of Cleft Palate is made at the time of birth by physical examination. Recent advances in prenatal diagnosis have allowed obstetricians to diagnose facial clefts in utero.

Treatment of Cleft Palate

Treatment procedures can vary. For example, some wait on jaw correction until the child is aged 10 to 12 (argument: growth is less influential as deciduous teeth are replaced by permanent teeth, thus saving the child from repeated corrective surgeries), while others correct the jaw earlier (argument: less speech therapy is needed than at a later age when speech therapy becomes harder). Treatment can differ between individual cases depending on the type and severity of the cleft. Within the first 2–3 months after birth, surgery is typically performed to close the cleft. While surgery to repair a cleft can be performed soon after birth, the often preferred age is at approximately 10 weeks of age.

Prognosis of Cleft Palate

Cleft palate is treatable; however, the kind of specific treatment depends on the type and severity of the cleft. A cleft palate can be successfully treated with surgery, especially if conducted soon after birth or in early childhood. Most children with a form of clefting are monitored through young adulthood. Care can be life-long.

Speak to a Depakote Lawyer

The Willis Law firm has represented clients in Pharmaceutical Product Liability and Personal Injury litigation for over 25 years. We thoroughly understand the pharmaceutical industry and pharmaceutical product-liability drug litigation. You are not alone. If your child was born with Spina Bifida or other major congenital neural tube and skeletal malformations that may have resulted from your being prescribed and taking Depakote during pregnancy, please contact our law firm immediately to discuss your legal options. Please keep in mind that certain states have a statute of limitations regarding the amount of time you have to seek legal action.

The Willis Law Firm has been responsible for recovering significant settlements and verdicts for our clients. Financial recoveries can never bring back a loved one, but can help families deal with the financial stress associated with a life-changing injury or illness. They may also help prevent similar injuries to others in the future by holding pharmaceutical companies responsible today. Consulting a skilled and experienced pharmaceutical products-liability attorney is your first step in receiving the justice you and your family deserve. Contact us today for a free and confidential Depakote Side Effects lawsuit evaluation.