NEC lawsuits most commonly involve Similac and Enfamil baby formulas. Although research linking cow milk-based formula to NEC has been conducted for years, they were promoted as safe for premature infants. In the claim, it was suggested that baby formula was a superior alternative to breastfeeding. Parents, hospitals, and doctors are being omitted important safety information, however, relating to the possibility of wrongful death or surgical NEC caused by side effects of Similac or Enfamil. You can learn more at chaffinluhana.com.
Why Is NEC Used in Baby Formulas?
Necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC), a potentially fatal gastrointestinal injury, has been caused by premature baby formulas such as Similac and Enfamil in NICUs and hospitals.
NEC is Caused by a Variety of Factors.
When harmful bacteria breach the walls of a baby’s intestines, they cause inflammation or death of those areas. As a result of NEC, the intestinal tissues can die, causing perforations that allow bacteria to enter the bloodstream or abdomen.
NEC is Treated in Infants in What Ways?
Many preemies with NEC need emergency surgery to remove part of their intestines or have an ostomy made to repair holes in their intestines. Injuries and disabilities caused by NEC surgery may persist for a child’s entire lifetime. Although few preemie NEC cases result in death, sometimes they do.
What Role Does Toxic Baby Formula Play in NEC?
As a result of toxic baby formula, NEC is possible. There is a significant increase in the risk of developing NEC in preemie babies who are fed formula containing cow’s milk such as Enfamil, Harmony, or Similac, which can result in the death of the infant, surgical NEC, or lifelong health consequences.
Is it to Do With Baby Formulas Like Similac or Enfamil that Cause NEC?
The milk used to make Similac and Enfamil has been hydrolyzed so that certain proteins that can cause allergic reactions have been removed.
Generally speaking, Similac and Enfamil are not dangerous to use, but when given to premature or low birth weight babies, they can be much more likely to cause NEC than when breast milk or donor milk is given.
It has long been known that neonatal encephalopathy (NEC) is associated with infant formula consumption. Similac’s product was not accompanied by NEC warnings or information to assist hospitals and parents in identifying the dangers.
What is the Relationship Between Formula and NEC Risk?
An article in The Lancet published in 1990 revealed that similac and enfamil, which are milk products, can cause NEC 6 to 10 times more frequently than breast milk. NEC was 20 times more likely in preemies born after 30 weeks of gestation if the formula was made from cow’s milk.
Based on a comparison of premature babies who were exclusively fed breast milk versus those who were fed formula, only 3% of breast-fed infants suffered from NEC, while 21% were fed formula.