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If your premature baby was diagnosed with necrotizing entercolitis (NEC) after taking cow’s milk-based infant formula, you may be able to make a claim against the manufacturers.

Necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) is a serious gastrointestinal problem that mostly affects premature babies.  It happens when the small or large intestine is injured or inflamed, causing tissue to die. NEC can cause holes to form in your baby’s intestine, resulting in bacteria leaks into the abdomen or bloodstream.  NEC develops over time and early detection is critical.

Studies have found that premature babies fed cow’s milk-based infant formula were at a significantly higher risk of developing NEC than those fed human milk exclusively,  Studies regarding these risks have been published in Neonatology, the Journal of Pediatrics and Cochrane.

Symptoms of NEC include:

  • A swollen, red or tender belly
  • Bradycardia (slowed heart rate)
  • Difficulty breathing, including apnea (pauses in breathing)
  • Feeding intolerance
  • Green vomit
  • Hypotension (low blood pressure)
  • Jaundice appearance
  • Lethargic behavior
  • Metabolic acidosis

Diagnosis of NEC can be by clinical observation, blood testing, imaging studies and blood gas levels.  Parents of babies suffering NEC symptoms should contact their pediatrician immediately.

Treatments may include temporarily stopping all feeding and administering strong antibiotics.  In advanced cases with severe tissue damage, surgery may be required to remove dead intestinal tissues.

Please contact us if you would like more information about NEC resulting from cow’s milk-based baby formula.