Necrotizing Enterocolitis & Cerebral Palsy
Cerebral palsy, a developmental condition affecting a person’s mobility and cognitive capabilities has been linked to a dangerous and sometimes fatal condition known as necrotizing enterocolitis.
Necrotizing enterocolitis is a dangerous condition which occurs when a part of the intestinal wall doesn’t receive blood or oxygen during or shortly after birth. This causes the affected intestinal wall to fall off, causing gut contents to enter the body cavity, subsequently causing infection.
While there’s no singular cause behind this condition, there are a few things which may predispose a newborn to necrotizing enterocolitis. Forceful or improper delivery methods may deprive the stomach and intestine region of blood or oxygen for an extended period of time.
Additionally, this condition seems to more-so affect children who were born premature, as well as those who received blood transfusions due to one reason or another. Necrotizing enterocolitis may lead to systemic infection which may spread to other parts of the body such as the brain, resulting in cerebral palsy a few weeks or months down the line.
Here are some warning signs you need to look out for:
- A swollen or distended stomach
- A red and hard outer stomach wall
- Unexplained fever
- Bloody stools
- Greenish bile
- The child refuses to eat
- Bowel movement changes
- Pauses in breathing
Necrotizing enterocolitis occurs about 2 weeks after birth. If you notice any of these symptoms in your child, please head to the ER straight away. If left unchecked, infection resulting from intestinal content leakage may lead to blood infection and death.
Doctors will perform a series of tests as well as procedures to help control an infection arising from necrotizing enterocolitis. They may also insert a nasogastric tube into the stomach to help ease pressure within the stomach and get rid of any food in there as well as administer antibiotics.
It’s estimated that about 25 percent of all infants born with necrotizing enterocolitis may need treatment for long-term issues. Some of these issues include forms of cerebral palsy, a debilitating developmental disorder.
We Can Help
If your child contracted NEC and developed cerebral palsy as a result, you may be owed compensation. Please call our CP lawyers at 1-855-833-3707 for your free consultation. We’re passionate about helping families, and we have a team of experienced birth injury attorneys at your service. Call us today to discuss the facts of your case for free.