Enterocolitis in low-birth-weight infants associated with milk and soy protein intolerance

Two low-birth-weight infants developed a syndrome of vomitting, distension, septic appearance, and bloody diarrhea. Both infants developed symptoms after ingestion of cow milk-based formula initially, and, later, soy-based formulas. These symptoms resolved with intravenous fluids and alimentation. Vomiting, diarrhea, melena, and polymorphonuclear leukocytosis recurred with reintroduction of either milk- or soy-based formulas. This sensitivity persisted throughout the neonatal period and was still present at seven to eight months of age. It appears from these data that intolerance to whole protein formulas can cause a syndrome similar clinically to neonatal necrotizing enterocolitis.