Can Formula Milk Cause Necrotizing Enterocolitis (NEC) In Premature Babies?

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The medical community has grown from ‘breast is best’ to ‘fed is best,’ abating concerns around baby formula among parents struggling with breastfeeding. The formula often has cow’s milk proteins along with carbohydrates, vitamins, minerals, and fats for the precious early years. It is a lifesaver for mothers who cannot breastfeed – for various reasons – and strives for a baby’s wholesome development.

But lately, fears of necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC), a debilitating illness potentially linked to toxic baby formula, have petrified new parents. NEC can affect premature infants or babies born before 37 weeks. So, how legit are these claims, and how can parents guarantee the health and safety of formula-fed babies?

Baby Formula And NEC: Understanding The Link

Although medical circles have often discussed a probable linkage, the scenario has become abject in the last decade. In 2022, a grim year for many parents of premature babies born in the US, NEC emerged as a horrid threat. The infected babies had consumed Similac and Enfamil, baby formulas by Abbott Laboratories and Mead Johnson & Company, notes TorHoerman Law.

Following irreversible intestinal damage and, in some cases, the demise of premature babies, many devastated families took legal action. It slowly came to light that NEC and bovine formula could indeed be a culprit. Babies born prematurely or with low birth weight are particularly vulnerable as they struggle to digest cow’s milk proteins.

A University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine study finds that the lack of antibodies in the formula can make NEC likelier. In the absence of breast milk, it asks parents to consider donor milk. That way, the premature infant can receive immunity-building antibodies.

An inflammatory intestinal disease, NEC can cause perforations and bacterial infection, progressing to life-threatening sepsis. It has the notorious reputation of being a leading cause of NICU fatalities. The mortality rate ranges from 10% to as high as 50%. It can also cause chronic issues in digestion and development, mandating lifelong medical care.

The proceedings of the NEC lawsuit revealed that the companies were conscious but silent about the risk cow’s milk formula could pose to NICU infants. The prime allegations are misleading marketing and missing communication. The safety of Abbott’s baby formula has been rather ambiguous since 2022, when the company had to recall some products due to bacterial infestation. It triggered a massive shortage, affecting thousands of parents.

In July 2024, a St. Louis jury asked Abbott Laboratories to pay $495 million as compensatory and punitive damage to an aggrieved Illinois family. This trial has garnered global attention, ushering awareness among parents considering baby formula.

NEC Symptoms Parents Should Guard Against

This dangerous condition can cause several symptoms, some of which may be mild. However, caution and early treatment can protect the infant’s development. Some pediatric research finds that babies who suffer from NEC after more than 20 days face more serious inflammation and bowel problems. It further emphasizes the need for vigilance.

In most cases, NEC manifests as the following symptoms:

Abdominal pain
Abdominal swelling
Changes in the infant’s blood pressure or body temperature
Fluctuations in heart rate and breathing
Diarrhea, usually with blood in the stool
Not gaining appropriate weight
Vomiting, typically green or yellow
Lethargy
Unwillingness to eat

The pediatrician will conduct physical examinations like checking for belly swelling. They may also issue blood and fecal tests to diagnose NEC.

Can NEC Be Treated Successfully?

Fortunately, seeking urgent treatment can resolve NEC without surgical intervention. The baby feeds through an intravenous catheter, and regular blood tests monitor the situation. The medical team will apply a nasogastric tube to protect the infant from further pain.

In case of massive intestinal damage, surgery becomes essential. Removing the damaged areas helps the remaining digestive system to function normally. Although surgery can seem daunting at this sensitive time, the likelihood of success and recovery in the babies is high.

Can All Formula-Fed Premature Infants Develop NEC?

While NEC and bovine formula food may be connected, many factors affect the illness’s likelihood, severity, and prognosis. Early-term babies with a birth weight under 3.3 pounds can face a higher threat of mortality compared to infants over 5.5 pounds.

A 2022 study published in the European Journal of Pediatrics found that low hemoglobin, congenital heart disease, and hyperlactatemia can worsen the outlook for NEC. Babies with low APGAR scores also suffer a higher risk of severe NEC.

Preventing The Occurrence Of NEC: Feeding Alternatives

In the wake of ongoing litigation, opting for formula milk for a premature baby can seem fraught with danger. However, the cases against Abbott and Mead Johnson only pertain to products used in neonatal care units. For instance, a NICU may use Similac Special Care or Enfamil NeuroPro EnfaCare.

It’s reasonable to infer that baby formula sold in stores is outside this ambit. However, a careful feeding plan drawn by medical professionals is vital for vulnerable infants. If your child is in the NICU, you should enquire about the in-depth feeding plan – it does not undermine the hospital’s authority but makes you a more involved participant. Parents must discuss the risks of NEC if the hospital recommends a formula based on cow’s milk.

As per CDC guidelines, human breast milk is the recommended diet for babies until they turn six months. Besides providing immunity-boosting antibodies, it safeguards against future complications like obesity and diabetes. Parents for whom breastfeeding is infeasible can consider formulas based on human milk, fortifiers, or donor milk.

Some doctors recommend corticosteroid injections during pregnancy. They can reduce the chances of NEC, respiratory distress, retinopathy, and intraventricular hemorrhage.

Taking Legal Recourse Against Formula Manufacturers or Medical Practitioners

Parents may file a case in state courts if their infants developed NEC after consuming cow’s milk-based formula in the NICU. This significant step requires medical records, proof of communication between the hospital and the parents, and other evidence.

It can seem overwhelming, but recent judgments are heartening. Although monetary compensation can never relieve the emotional pain, you can receive much-needed financial aid for NEC-related treatments.

The formula versus breast milk debate is not new. Still, these recent developments showcase how challenging early childhood feeding is for parents. As your infant embraces the world, caution is paramount to keep them safe and thriving.