Cow Milk Based Formula/Fortifiers Linked to NEC Necrotizing Enterocolitis

Many premature babies cared for in the newborn intensive care unit (NICU) are fed cow’s milk-based baby formula either exclusively or through fortifiers as a supplement to their mother’s breastmilk, to ensure that they get the nutrients they need to grow and develop properly. However, some of the most widely used infant formula products, like Similac and Enfamil, have been linked to an increased risk of necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) in premature babies. If your premature infant was fed Enfamil or Similac in the NICU or hospital and suffered injuries or death from NEC, you may be eligible for compensation from the manufacturer, which you can pursue by filing a baby formula NEC lawsuit. Your child needs and deserves the best possible care following an NEC diagnosis, so contact us as soon as possible to discuss whether you have a claim.

Infant Formulas May Cause Life-Threatening Intestinal Disease

The most recent side effect linked to cow’s milk-based baby formulas is necrotizing enterocolitis, a potentially life-threatening gastrointestinal condition that typically develops in premature infants within the first two weeks of life, when the bowel has not yet matured. In babies with NEC, bacteria invade the intestines, causing inflammation and sometimes perforation of the intestinal wall, which allows bacteria to seep into the bloodstream and cause a serious or fatal infection. Symptoms of NEC in premature infants may include:

• Abdominal pain and swelling
• Lethargy
• Diarrhea with bloody stool
• Green or yellow vomit
• Feeding problems
• Lack of weight gain
• Changes in breathing and body temperature
• Changes in heart rate and blood pressure

According to Nemours KidsHealth, NEC is the most common and serious intestinal disease among premature infants, and recent reports suggest that premature infants who are fed cow’s milk formula rather than breastmilk may face a greater risk of NEC. Sadly, the gastrointestinal condition is fatal in 50% of cases, and even babies who survive NEC can suffer from ongoing problems that may require surgical intervention to remove the affected portions of the bowel.