If Your Child Has Suffered Any of the Symptoms Associated with NEC You Should Seek Immediate Treatment.
Cow’s milk-based formulas, including popular brands such as Similac and Enfamil, have been linked to an increased risk of necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) in preterm or premature infants.
If your premature child developed stomach or intestinal issues after being given cow’s milk protein-based formula or milk fortifier products, you may be entitled to substantial compensation. Your free case review is fast and easy! If you are eligible, we can help you navigate the legal progress with no out-of-pocket costs to you or your family.
What You Need to Know
Necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) is a serious gastrointestinal condition that typically affects premature infants. In most cases, NEC develops within two to six weeks after birth, when a hole may form in your baby’s intestine. Bacteria can leak into the abdomen or bloodstream through the hole, and intestinal tissue becomes inflamed and dies. Tissue death allows bacteria to enter into the infant’s abdomen because the intestine in no longer able to hold waste. NEC kills approximately 25% of infants affected, and those who require surgery can develop long-term complications.
What Are the Risks for Children With NEC?
- Abdominal infections: When bacteria enters the abdominal cavity an infection called peritonitis can result, which increases the risk for a life-threatening blood infection called sepsis.
- Intestinal strictures: A stricture narrows the intestines, making it difficult for food to pass through. Sometimes surgical intervention is necessary as a result.
- Short bowel syndrome: This may develop if NEC destroys part of the infant’s small intestine, making it hard for the body to absorb fluids and nutrients. It can result in the child needing tube feedings.
- Growth failure and developmental delays: These are important long-term complications that require close follow-up and monitoring. Poor neurodevelopmental outcomes have also been a result of NEC.
Important News for Parents!
- Extensive research has confirmed that even though these milk-based fortifiers and formulas were originally believed to be safe, they can significantly increase the risk of NEC in premature babies.
- Product warnings and instructions failed to mention the increased risk of intestinal issues,including NEC and death.
- Despite knowing the increased risk of NEC, no changes were made to the products, labeling, instructions, or packaging, even though safer alternatives are available for premature nutrition.
- These products have been aggressively marketed to target parents of premature babies.
- Deceptive tactics have allegedly been used to imply that the products are similar to or derived from breast milk when they actually contain cow’s milk.