Baby formula side effects lawsuit investigation

Baby formula and NEC: Who’s affected?

Baby formula makers allegedly knew of NEC risk for decades

Studies going back at least three decades have reportedly shown that NEC is significantly more common in preterm infants who were fed cow’s milk-based formula instead of breast milk.

In December 1990, The Lancet published a study of 926 preterm infants which found formula-fed babies developed NEC at a rate of six to 10 times more often than babies who were fed breast milk alone.  

A 2015 study found that extremely low birth weight infants who ingested their mothers’ breast milk experienced a 50 percent reduction in the rate of NEC and/or late onset sepsis and spent less time in the hospital than those with a different diet. The study concludes that breast milk offers protective qualities that reduce inflammation in preterm infants and the risk of harmful bacteria invading the gastrointestinal tract.

Despite the science demonstrating the increased risk of NEC in premature babies who consume cow’s milk-based formula, the manufacturers of Similac and Enfamil baby formulas have allegedly not taken steps to warn parents and medical professionals about the risks.

What is NEC?

Necrotizing enterocolitis is a disease that occurs when bacteria invades the intestinal wall, causing inflammation. This swelling can lead germs to enter the abdomen. In some cases, NEC may be fatal. 

NEC is a rare condition that most frequently affects premature infants who are fed formula instead of breast milk.

NEC likely affects premature infants more frequently because their lungs and intestines are weaker than full-term babies. As a result, they may have a harder time fighting infection.

NEC symptoms typically develop in the first two weeks of life and may include:

• Bloated abdomen
• Food that remains in the stomach without moving through intestines
• Stomach that contains green fluid
• Bloody stools
• Low heart rate, sluggishness, difficulty breathing

To diagnose NEC, a doctor may perform a blood test and take an X-ray of the infant’s abdomen. The blood test may show low white blood counts, which indicate that the baby lacks a strong immune response to fight the infection.

The X-ray may reveal air bubbles in the baby’s intestinal wall. A doctor might also insert a needle into the baby’s abdomen to find out if fluid leaks out, which would indicate a hole in the intestines.

NEC can cause complications such as infections, narrowing intestines, short gut syndrome, and developmental delays. Even without these serious complications, an infant with NEC will likely need to switch to IV supplements for nutrition. According to the Cleveland Clinic, 1 in 4 babies with NEC will need to have part of their intestines removed due to dead tissues.

Premature babies have reportedly suffered significant injuries or died after ingesting Similac and/or Enfamil cow’s milk-based formulas. Some parents have already taken legal action against the formula manufacturers, claiming they were not warned of the risks.

Preemie Baby Formula Side Effects Lawsuit Investigation

If your premature or preterm baby was given Similac or Enfamil formula while in the NICU and developed NEC, you may qualify to join a free NEC baby formula class action lawsuit investigation.

By taking legal action against the baby formula manufacturers, you may be able to help hold them accountable for manufacturing a dangerous product and seek compensation for your child’s injuries.

Please submit your information to see if you qualify for a free case review.