The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) warns that premature infants born before 37 weeks should not be given SimplyThick. The FDA warning comes after the agency received 15 reports of premature infants developing necrotizing enterocolitis after taking SimplyThick – sadly, two of the babies died. According to the FDA, the illness occurred in “at least four different medical centers around the country.”
SimplyThick is added to liquids to make them easier for people to swallow. Not specifically marketed for use with premature infants, it appears that SimplyThick was given to premature infants who have difficulty swallowing formula or breast milk by a few doctors and nurses, creating the potential formedical malpractice claims.
It should be noted that the FDA has yet to conclude that SimplyThick is the cause of the babies’ illnesses; however, both the FDA and SimplyThick are investigating the role of the product in the reported illnesses. There is also currently no recall on SimplyThick, as it does not appear that the product causes a risk of illness to anyone other than babies born prior to week 37.
Mainly occurring in premature or ill newborn babies, necrotizing enterocolitis is a serious disorder of the intestines. The disorder occurs when the tissue that lines the intestinal wall dies. The National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI) reports that necrotizing enterocolitis is fatal nearly 25 percent of the time.
Providing an infant with a product that is dangerous for them is just one of the many mistakes that a nurse or doctor can make, either intentionally or unintentionally. If you or a loved one was injured while under the care of a doctor, nurse or other medical professional, speak to an experienced medical malpractice attorney about your legal options.
