A newborn baby is typically a delicate creature that needs all the tender care it can get. The situation becomes even more fragile if the baby is preterm (prematurely born). In such cases, every development stage is critical, and the infant needs to get the best of everything to ensure their health and survival.

There has been an increasing number of investigations conducted by different law firms that deal in product liability. This comes after several claims that preterm babies fed with Enfamil or Similac infant formulas have suffered from a life-threatening condition called necrotizing enterocolitis, NEC.

Existing scientific studies tend to substantiate these claims. They show that premature babies have a greater chance of developing NEC, primarily if they feed on cow-milk-based infant formulas like Similac or Enfamil.

Any child born before 37 complete gestational weeks is premature. In the United States, almost 480,000 premature babies are born yearly. Out of this number, about 9,000 suffer from necrotizing enterocolitis. In this blog, you will learn more about what NEC is all about, how cow-milk-based infant formulas contribute to it, and what you can do if your baby becomes a victim.

Understanding Necrotizing Enterocolitis (NEC)

NEC is an ailment that affects the intestines characterized by inflammation and infection. NEC can lead to fatality in preterm babies. Part of its treatment involves a surgical procedure, and in some cases, the baby could have lasting digestive tract issues. When you compare NEC incidents in preterm babies fed on cow-milk-based formulations and those who rely significantly on human breast milk, the former are at greater risk.

According to a publication by the American Society of Nutrition, about 5 to 12% of infants with extremely low birth weights develop NEC. 20 to 40% of the reported cases receive surgical treatment, while there's a fatality in 25 to 50% of incidents.

Signs of NEC and Its Diagnosis

NEC frequently occurs in babies in the NICU within two to six weeks following their birth. Sometimes, the symptoms could present within a few days. In other cases, they could occur abruptly in babies who appeared to be in perfect health.

The symptoms might include:

  • Abdominal swelling and pain
  • Changed blood pressure, heart rate, breathing, and body temperature
  • Yellow or green vomit
  • Lethargy
  • Poor feeding hence no weight gain
  • Diarrhea accompanied by bloody stool

When diagnosing a child for NEC, the attending physician will look out for signs like abdominal swelling and the other symptoms that present in these cases. The following tests are also critical when diagnosing NEC.

Blood tests: This is to check for bacteria and any other sign of infection.

Fecal test: It examines the presence of blood in the baby's poop. It can detect invisible blood.

X-rays: An abdominal x-ray is critical as it reveals indications of NEC, such as air bubbles surrounding the abdominal cavity or intestines. Air bubbles could suggest perforation or a destroyed bowel.

Treatment of Necrotizing Enterocolitis

When treating NEC, the attending healthcare professionals will halt providing the infant oral or tubular feedings to enable the baby's intestines to relax before starting intravenous (IV) nutrition. Additional measures could include inserting a nasogastric line into the baby's stomach to siphon out air bubbles and fluids, as well as administering antibiotics.

However, severe forms of NEC necessitate surgery in which the attending pediatric surgeon examines the intestines then removes irreversibly damaged parts. The infant may develop life-long difficulties as a result of these surgeries.

Complications of NEC

A baby with necrotizing enterocolitis is in danger of developing a variety of issues, including:

Intestinal infection: Certain babies develop a perforation in their intestinal wall due to an infection. Bacteria can penetrate their abdominal cavity through this opening. Peritonitis is a type of infection that can occur. Peritonitis raises the risk of sepsis, a severe blood infection.

Intestinal stricture affects about one in every three infants. The intestines become constricted by a stricture. This problem usually develops after the baby has recovered from NEC. Food has a hard time passing through a constricted gut. Surgical intervention to free up the intestines is necessary for some youngsters.

Short bowel syndrome: A kid may have short bowel syndrome if NEC kills or destroys a portion of the small intestines. This disorder hampers the body's ability to absorb water and nutrients (malabsorption). Children with this syndrome require lifelong care to grow properly. Some children require intravenous (tube) feedings.

Developmental delays and failure to grow: Growth failure, poor neurocognitive results, and developmental issues are all significant long-term problems, particularly in babies who underwent surgery. Caregivers must closely monitor the growth and development of these infants.

The Dangers with Cow-Milk-Based Baby Formulas on Preterm Babies

"For susceptible premature newborns, formula supplementation correlates with increased levels of NEC," the US Surgeon General stated in 2011. Many preterm newborns are often unable to suckle, and incorporating cow's milk-based formulation in their diet increases their susceptibility to NEC. "All preterm babies should be given either their mom's milk or, when this is unavailable, sterilized human donor milk," according to the American Academy of Pediatrics.

Dr. E. Cristofalo of the Johns Hopkins Children's Center, a lead investigator looking at the link between cow's milk-based formulations and NEC, had this to say during an interview conducted by Science Daily. "The significant differences concerning the danger of NEC, the complications, plus the necessity for surgical procedure between infants who obtain human milk from donors and the ones who receive formula indicate the necessity for an alteration in dietary patterns across NICUs.”

Cow-Milk-Based Products from Similac and Enfamil

Abbott Laboratories Inc manufactures the following products:

  • Similac NeoSure
  • Similac Human Milk Fortifier
  • Similac Liquid Protein Fortifier
  • Similac Alimentum Expert Care
  • Similac Special Care 24 High Protein
  • Similac Special Care 20, 24, and 30, respectively
  • Similac Human Milk Fortifier Hydrolyzed Protein Concentrated Liquid

Mead Johnson Nutrition Manufactures these products:

  • Enfamil NeoPro EnfaCare Infant Formula (this is allegedly Mead's recommended product for Preterm infants)
  • Enfamil Premature Infant Formula 20, 24, and 30 Cal with Iron, respectively
  • Enfamil Premature Infant Formula 24 Cal High Protein
  • Enfamil 24 Cal Infant Formula
  • Enfamil Human Milk Fortifier

These companies have made significant profits while withholding the truth concerning their products from the general public and at the expense of children's health.

Find a Product Liability Lawyer Near Me

We at Consumer Alert Now are dedicated to holding manufacturers of defective products liable for the dangers caused to consumers. Currently, cases are being brought around the country suing Similac and Enfamil over neglecting to alert nurses, doctors, and parents of the danger of feeding preterm infants with Similac or Enfamil cow-milk-based baby formulas.

If you are a parent to a premature baby feeding on Enfamil or Similac formula and developed NEC, we can help you. Contact us at 800-511-0747 for a free consultation and get answers to the concerns you might have.