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What Causes Necrotizing Enterocolitis (NEC) in New Borns?

Necrotizing enterocolitis or NEC does not have a single cause. In most instances, doctors can’t find a specific reason why this condition occurs in infants. However, experts believe that a bacterial or viral infection could be a contributing factor. Sometimes, certain baby formulas can lead to NEC. Moreover, statistics have proven that breastfed babies are less likely to develop NEC. If your baby has been having a hard time feeding or exhibiting symptoms that indicate a food intolerance or overall health issue, here is some important information about NEC.

Who Is Most Likely to Get NEC?

Most NEC cases occur in babies born prematurely (before 32 weeks). However, some full-term babies who have heart defects can also develop NEC. This condition usually shows up when an infant is between 2-4 weeks old.

How Is NEC Diagnosed?

Babies with NEC symptoms will undergo an X-ray so the doctor can look for abnormal patterns of gas in the stomach and digestive tract. Infants with severe NEC may have gas that leaves the intestines and shows up in the abdomen or the veins of the liver. A doctor may have to insert a needle into the baby’s stomach to get rid of excess fluid. This procedure will also let the doctor know if there is a hole in the infant’s intestines.

How Is NEC Treated?

After a doctor has officially diagnosed a baby with NEC, treatment will begin immediately. Parents may be advised to stop all feedings temporarily or take the baby in for orogastric or nasogastric drainage to remove extra fluid and air from the intestines and stomach. The baby may also need an IV to satisfy nutritional needs and an antibiotic to treat viral or bacterial infections.

The infant’s stools are also monitored for blood, and the doctor will regularly check the infant’s belly’s size since a hole in the intestines will cause the midsection to swell. Consultation with a pediatrician is often necessary to determine an ongoing treatment plan. In extreme cases, an infant will have to be admitted to surgery as soon as possible.

What to Expect

After a baby responds to treatment, they may be able to begin regularly feeding again after about two weeks. It is highly recommended that the baby consumes breastmilk after being treated for NEC. Breastmilk is easier on the baby’s digestive system and can support the growth of beneficial bacteria in the intestines while boosting the baby’s immune system.

Women who cannot breastfeed or produce enough milk may need to feed their infants pasteurized breast milk from another woman. The milk can be obtained from a milk bank. Or, the baby will have to consume special formula free of allergens.

It is important to note that surgery is the most viable option for some babies, especially if the NEC worsens despite medical treatment. The doctor will search for openings in the intestines and remove dying or dead intestinal tissue. The intestine can sometimes be sewn together. If the surgeon has to remove a large amount of tissue, an ostomy will be performed. The surgeon will bring part of the intestine to the abdomen opening to allow stool to exit the body safely.

Sometimes, a second surgery is necessary to check on the state of the intestines and make necessary adjustments to the intestinal wall. For example, if an ostomy is performed, it will be closed about eight weeks later to give the intestines time to heal.

If your baby suffered any of these symptoms, you may be eligible to file an NEC baby formula lawsuit. An attorney familiar with this condition will look over your little one’s medical records and assess information about the baby’s symptoms provided by you and your child’s pediatrician.

Your family might be able to receive compensation that will help you cover the cost of treatment to restore your infant’s health. The NEC prognosis is hopeful – most babies with NEC survive if they get the appropriate intervention on time. However, they will most likely deal with health problems for the rest of their lives. Here is where the law intervenes, putting a price on healthcare and quality of life. With a good attorney, parents can seek damages to ensure financial security for their childrens’ lifelong care and planning.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

What Causes Necrotizing Enterocolitis (NEC) in New Borns?With a law degree under his belt, Mark Scott understood very early that law communication was a relatively neglected area. He decided to help people by “translating” the language and offering information and advice in a clear, useful, and actionable manner. For this reason, instead of finding him in court, you will most likely find his name online, where he is very active and thriving as a legal columnist. His part of making the world a better place is to make the law a less convoluted maze. He aims to make it easier for people to understand when and how to seek legal counsel, how to proceed in a significant number of legal matters, and to find the proper resources so they can stand up for their rights.

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