Necrotizing Enterocolitis Caused By Baby Formula

Parents with premature babies struggle with so many things. It is scary for any parent to have a premature baby to care for. There are so many things that a premature baby needs. It’s scary to think something, like baby formula, could cause harm to your baby. Certain baby formulas made specifically for premature babies is linked to necrotizing enterocolitis.

What Is Necrotizing Enterocolitis?

Necrotizing enterocolitis is a serious health condition that mostly affects premature babies. It is a gastrointestinal problem that inflames and kills intestinal tissue. When the tissue dies, a hole (perforation) can develop in the baby’s intestine. Bacteria leaks through the hole into the abdomen or even into the bloodstream. Learn more about it from the Cleveland Clinic website.

Symptoms Of Necrotizing Enterocolitis

Since babies can’t talk, recognizing the symptoms and getting medical care is important to diagnosing and treating NEC.

Common symptoms of necrotizing enterocolitis include:

• abdominal pain and swelling
• changes in vital signs (heart rate, blood pressure, body temperature, breathing)
• diarrhea with blood in the stool
• green and/or yellow vomit
• lethargy
• loss of appetite
• lack of weight gain

Necrotizing Enterocolitis Is Dangerous

In any person, necrotizing enterocolitis is dangerous. In a baby – especially a preemie – necrotizing enterocolitis can be life-threatening. Catching NEC early and treating it properly is key to survival and recovery.

Additionally, even with treatment, the damage from NEC might be permanent. Treatment usually requires surgery to repair. Even with surgery, your baby could experience related health problems for the rest of their life.

Baby Formula Linked To Necrotizing Enterocolitis

Certain baby formulas can contribute to or cause preterm babies to develop NEC. This is formula you may have been recommended or even formula given to your baby in the NICU. Many times, parents aren’t even made aware of what the hospital is giving to the baby.

Which Baby Formula Causes Necrotizing Enterocolitis?

Formula made with cow’s milk or bovine fortifiers may increase the risk of developing necrotizing enterocolitis. Studies prove NEC is more common in babies that were fed this type of formula. Certain Enfamil and Similac brands of formula made with cow’s milk have been linked to NEC.

Necrotizing Enterocolitis Lawsuits

Parents can seek relief for medical expenses, ongoing and future care for their baby. If your baby has experienced NEC, it is possible you might have a valid claim for compensation. Talk to an experienced attorney about your situation.

NEC Lawsuit Attorney In Pennsylvania

If your baby has necrotizing enterocolitis, talk to an attorney with experience. In Pennsylvania, concerned parents should call the attorneys at Kane & Silverman for a free consultation.