Necrotizing Enterocolitis (NEC): What Parents Need to Know!
Every proud parent and grandparent knows that a newborn baby is nothing short of a blessing to all in its life.
Sadly, sometimes babies can be born prematurely and their situation may ultimately cause a great deal of stress and fear for the family members involved. Premature babies might have trouble latching or nursing, or they might need extra nutrition to help address the many medical conditions it’s facing after being born.
Across the United States, it’s quite common for premature infants to be fed with a cow’s milk-based formula, most parents are probably familiar with infant formula manufacturing giants like Enfamil and Similac who create high-calorie cows milk-based products that are designed and marketed towards premature babies.
However, right now, infant formula lawsuits are now alleging that these products by Enfamil and Similac are actually putting premature babies at an increased risk for a life-threatening condition called Necrotizing Enterocolitis (NEC).
In an incredibly selfish and bizarre move, Abbott Laboratories, the company that makes Similac and Mead Johnson & Company, which produces Enfamil, have not included any warnings on their products or on their labels regarding the potential risks of a premature baby developing NEC. Parents who are turning to the formula to help supplement their babies’ nutrition have the right to expect the formula is safe.
The attorneys here at Marcari, Russotto, Spencer & Balaban are prepared to speak to any parents who have an NEC baby formula claim – please call us now at (855) 435-7247 or use the form at the bottom of this page to sign up!
Necrotizing Enterocolitis (NEC) is a serious gastrointestinal problem that mostly affects premature babies.
What is Necrotizing Enterocolitis (NEC)?
Necrotizing Enterocolitis (NEC) is a serious and potentially fatal intestinal disease among premature infants. What occurs is the infant’s intestinal wall is broken down and waste can pass into the abdomen and bloodstream causing a life-threatening infection. NEC can also cause decreased oxygen levels to vital organs and in the end, NEC is so harmful it can cause partial or complete destruction of a baby’s bowels. Unfortunately, many of the negative effects of NEC require surgery to repair and are not guaranteed to be successful.
If the condition is diagnosed to not be fatal, an infant is still at risk and they may suffer from growth failure and neurodevelopmental issues.
What Are The Consequences Of Necrotizing Enterocolitis (NEC)?
- Peritonitis.
- Sepsis.
- Intestinal stricture, or narrowing of the intestines.
- Short Bowel Syndrome (SBS).
What Are The Symptoms Of Necrotizing Enterocolitis (NEC)?
- Bradycardia.
- Acidosis.
- Trouble breathing.
- An increase or decrease in stools.
- Decreased bowel sounds.
- Lethargy in the infant(s).
- Green fluid(s) in the abdominal wall of the infant(s).
- Jaundice.
- Feeding intolerance.
- Feeding residuals.
- Metabolic Acidosis.
- Abdominal Distension.
- Temperature instability.
- Emesis.
NEC has now become so forwardly progressive that identifying the symptoms in a premature baby is critical.
With a quick diagnosis and the proper treatment, most premature babies with NEC should do quite well and live a normal life without any complications. NEC is normally diagnosed based upon a clinical observation of symptoms by a pediatrician. In addition to symptoms, diagnostic tools include a batch of blood testing, abdominal imaging, and blood gas level testing which can help confirm a proper diagnosis of NEC.
For parents, they can help treat NEC by discontinuing any type of oral feeding and immediately giving strong antibiotics to their infant.
Any types of nutrients must be supplied intravenously until the NEC is eliminated and the baby’s intestinal tissue has fully healed.
Abbott Laboratories, maker of Similac, and Mead Johnson & Company, maker of Enfamil, have not placed any warnings on their products’ labels regarding potential risks of premature babies developing NEC.
The scientific evidence establishing a causal link between cow milk-based infant formula and NEC has been developing for the last 30 years. The attorneys at Marcari, Russotto, Spencer & Balaban are evaluating claims for the failure to warn parents of risks associated with Enfamil and Similac products. If your baby was fed any of these products listed below, call us today at (855) 435-7247.
Enfamil Baby Formula Lawsuits
- Enfamil NeoPro EnfaCare Infant Formula
- Enfamil Premature Infant Formula 20 Cal with Iron
- Enfamil 24 Cal Infant Formula
- Enfamil Premature Infant Formula 24 Cal High Protein
- Enfamil Premature Infant Formula 24 Cal with Iron
- Enfamil Premature Infant Formula 30 Cal with Iron
- Enfamil Human Milk Fortifier
Similac Baby Formula Lawsuits
- Similac NeoSure
- Similac Alimentum Expert Care
- Similac Liquid Protein Fortifier
- Similac Human Milk Fortifier
- Similac Human Milk Fortifier Hydrolyzed Protein Concentrated Liquid
- Similac Special Care 20
- Similac Special Care 24
- Similac Special Care 24 High Protein
- Similac Special Care 30
Do I Have a Claim? Who Is Eligible for a Necrotizing Enterocolitis Lawsuit?
Our infant formula attorneys are reviewing NEC lawsuits for families who have children that were:
- Diagnosed with Necrotizing Enterocolitis (NEC) requiring intestinal surgery, or that sadly resulted in death.
- Prematurely born.
- Fed formula or fortifier before their diagnosis or injury.
- Not fed solely their breast milk from their mother or a donor.
- Diagnosed with an injury like the following:
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- Intestinal Perforation.
- Scarring.
- Strictures in the intestines.
- Sepsis.
- Cerebral Palsy.
- Neurological Damage.
- Surgery to remove dead intestines.
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Schedule a Free Consultation Today with our NEC Baby Formula Attorneys!
Marcari, Russotto, Spencer, and Balaban will proudly represent any individuals in NEC injury and wrongful death cases all across the Carolinas and Virginia. Call us now toll-free today at (855) 435-7247, or contact Marcari, Russotto, Spencer, and Balaban online to schedule your free consultation using the form below.
Our firm works on a contingency fee basis, meaning that until your case is resolved, and you’ve received your financial compensation, you don’t have to pay legal fees. We look forward to hearing from you!
