Peritonitis is a serious infection of the abdominal lining that can occur due to various causes, such as a ruptured appendix, perforated ulcer, or complications from abdominal surgery. In newborn infants, this condition can be caused by necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC), a life-threatening intestinal disease. If your child has been diagnosed with NEC and developed peritonitis, here is what you need to know about their prognosis and treatment options. Our NEC baby formula attorney is prepared to assist with your case.
Signs and Symptoms of Peritonitis
The peritoneum is a thin, protective membrane that lines your abdominal cavity and covers the organs inside. When this membrane becomes inflamed or infected, peritonitis develops. Common symptoms of this condition include:
- Severe abdominal pain that worsens with movement or touch
- Tender, swollen, or rigid abdomen
- Fever and chills
- Nausea and vomiting
- Rapid heartbeat
- Shortness of breath
- Decreased urination
- Inability to pass gas or have bowel movements
- Excessive thirst and signs of dehydration
- Fatigue
In infants with NEC-related peritonitis, symptoms may also include abdominal discoloration, lethargy, and feeding intolerance.
What Causes Peritonitis?
NEC causes the inflammation and death of intestinal tissue, which can severely damage an infant’s internal organs. When the damaged intestinal wall develops holes or perforations, digestive contents leak into the peritoneal cavity. This leakage can introduce harmful bacteria and cause peritonitis.
The infection can spread rapidly throughout the abdomen without treatment. The intestinal contents themselves are also irritating to the peritoneum, causing further inflammation. In advanced NEC cases, portions of the intestine may die completely, which can also increase the risk of infection.
Treatment Options for Peritonitis
If your child develops peritonitis, treatment must begin immediately to prevent life-threatening complications. First, medical professionals will work to stabilize your child by providing IV fluids, which help combat dehydration and maintain blood pressure. They may also administer antibiotics to fight the infection.
Next, the medical team will work to address the underlying cause of the infection. In cases involving NEC, this usually involves surgery. The medical team may remove the infected portion of the intestine, repair perforations or holes in the intestine, or drain accumulated fluids from the abdominal cavity.
After the initial treatment, your doctor will assess your child’s condition and determine the appropriate plan moving forward. They may administer more antibiotics, prescribe medications to manage pain, and alleviate the stress on your child’s digestive system by providing IVs or feeding tubes.
Peritonitis can rapidly progress to sepsis, where infection enters the bloodstream and can cause organ failure and death. If your child shows any symptoms of NEC or an infection, it is essential to seek immediate medical care to prevent deadly complications.
Did Your Child Develop Peritonitis After NEC?
NEC has been linked to cow’s milk-based formulas from manufacturers like Mead Johnson and Abbott Laboratories. If your child developed peritonitis, sepsis, or another life-threatening complication after consuming these formulas, you may have grounds for legal action. Families nationwide are filing lawsuits against these companies for failing to warn parents and healthcare providers about the risks of NEC.
In these situations, you need an attorney on your side who understands these cases and can fight for your child’s fair recovery. Shapiro Legal Group, PLLC has assisted many families in their lawsuits against formula manufacturers—trust us to be your advocate. Contact us at (800) 220-0984 to discuss your case and learn how we can help you seek justice.