What lasting health problems can NEC cause in newborns?

Necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) is one of the most severe and serious gastrointestinal issues. This disease causes inflammation in the intestinal tissues. When this happens, the tissues may die, creating holes along the intestinal tract. This medical condition immensely impacts premature babies. They may develop this illness anywhere between two and six weeks from birth.

The most common medical issues faced by newborns who survive NEC include the following:

• Neurological health conditions: Babies who survive NEC have a greater likelihood of brain injuries that could lead to cerebral palsy.
• Gastrointestinal health issues: Given that NEC is a gastrointestinal health problem, it may inevitably cause additional health issues. Premature babies may develop other gastrointestinal complications, such as intestinal perforation, intestinal stricture, and short bowel syndrome, all of which result from NEC.
• Delayed growth and development: A baby diagnosed with NEC will face physical and developmental problems as they grow. This is likely to happen because NEC can cause malabsorption of nutrients, which can ultimately lead to vitamin deficiencies. Additionally, babies with NEC may have feeding difficulties due to their condition.
• Eye and liver problems: The risk for blindness in one or both eyes and liver disease is increased in premature newborns with NEC.

While survival rates for NEC have impressively improved over the years, the health conditions a baby has to face after recovering from NEC still demand lifelong care. This means that a baby’s quality of life will be profoundly affected long after their recovery.

Get legal support from The Law Offices of Sean M. Cleary for your NEC in newborn claim

Families with babies diagnosed with NEC associated with the consumption of cow’s milk-based baby formula may gain just compensation when they choose to file a claim for NEC in newborns. You may contact us, The Law Offices of Sean M. Cleary, to discuss your case and see your options. The firm has dealt with countless product liability cases, and our years of experience assure you that our legal team will handle your case with utmost care and importance.