Baby Formula Litigation
What Is NEC?
Necrotizing Enterocolitis is a gastrointestinal condition where foreign bacteria cause tissue damage or death in the intestinal lining. In some cases, NEC may cause a hole in the intestines to appear causing foreign bacteria and enzymes into the bloodstream which increases the chances of sepsis or further infection exponentially.
NEC predominantly affects newborn babies as they are vulnerable to the bacteria and enzymes in cow’s milk which is found in most baby formulas.
Parents may use formula to supplement breastfeeding or in place of it if the mother cannot produce milk on their own. Additionally, most neonatal intensive care units use formula to feed infants during the period of observation.
The necessity of formula combined with the physical vulnerability of the infant and their underdeveloped immune systems make newborns susceptible to severe infection. When foreign bacteria are introduced to the body system through infant formula, the digestive system cannot break down the bacteria adequately and it may stop oxygenated blood from circulating properly throughout the body causing tissue death and neurological damage in severe cases.
Without oxygenated blood, the body cannot rebuild damaged tissue and it remains vulnerable to tearing or infection. Studies show that at least one in four babies who contract NEC require medical intervention to repair the tissue or seal tears and holes that may appear in the intestinal lining. Surgery also poses risks to newborns especially because NEC affects mostly premature babies with little to no capacity for a smooth recovery after an intense invasive procedure.
