Infant Saved After Severe Reaction to Cow's Milk Protein
Translated & summarized from Behadrei Haredim by baba
A 21-day-old infant was saved at Hadassah Mount Scopus Medical Center after suffering a life-threatening reaction to cow's milk protein in infant formula. The baby presented with severe dehydration and metabolic acidosis, having lost over 20% of his body weight. Doctors provided immediate treatment, stabilized the infant, and educated the parents on specialized formulas. The child has since been released from the hospital.
The story in 5 lines · by baba
- A 21-day-old infant was saved from organ failure due to a severe reaction to cow's milk protein.
- The infant suffered from extreme dehydration and metabolic acidosis, losing over 20% of his body weight.
- The reaction was caused by cow's milk protein, a common ingredient in infant formula.
- Doctors at Hadassah Mount Scopus provided immediate treatment and stabilized the baby.
- The infant was released after treatment in the pediatric intensive care unit.
A 21-day-old infant was brought to the pediatric emergency room at Hadassah Mount Scopus Medical Center in critical condition, suffering from severe dehydration and metabolic acidosis, moments before organ failure. Dr. David Reichman, director of the Pediatric Emergency Medicine Department, described the baby as pale, listless, and in danger of collapse. The infant had lost over 20% of his body weight, a life-threatening amount for such a small baby, due to what parents described as multiple episodes of vomiting and diarrhea.
Further examination and tests confirmed the acidosis and revealed the infant's severe sensitivity to cow's milk protein, a common ingredient in infant formula. This sensitivity caused an extreme inflammatory reaction throughout his digestive system, preventing absorption of fluids and nutrients. This led to a critical depletion of bodily resources, forcing his body to break down its own reserves.
Doctors provided immediate fluid resuscitation and initiated treatment. The medical team educated the parents on specialized formulas free of cow's milk protein and referred them for nutritional counseling. The infant's condition stabilized, and he was released after treatment in the pediatric intensive care unit.
Dr. Reichman emphasized that while cow's milk protein intolerance is known in pediatrics, this case was exceptionally severe and required an immediate response. He commended the parents for seeking urgent medical attention, stating that every moment was critical in saving their son's life.