Condition Lookup
Sub-Category:
Neonatal and Infantile Disorders
Number of Conditions: 1
Meconium Ileus
Specialty: Pediatrics
Category: Gastrointestinal Disorders
Sub-category: Neonatal and Infantile Disorders
Symptoms:
failure to pass meconium within the first 24-48 hours after birth; abdominal distension; vomiting (may be bilious); feeding intolerance
Root Cause:
Thickened, inspissated meconium obstructs the ileum, often associated with cystic fibrosis.
How it's Diagnosed: videos
Clinical presentation, abdominal X-rays showing distended bowel loops and a "soap bubble" appearance, contrast enema, and genetic testing for cystic fibrosis.
Treatment:
Initial treatment involves enemas (e.g., hyperosmolar contrast enema); surgical intervention may be needed if enemas fail. Long-term management includes addressing cystic fibrosis.
Medications:
No specific medications for meconium ileus; treatments focus on cystic fibrosis if present, using pancreatic enzyme replacements, mucolytics (e.g., dornase alfa), and antibiotics for infections.
Prevalence:
How common the health condition is within a specific population.
Seen in approximately 10-20% of infants with cystic fibrosis; rare in the general population.
Risk Factors:
Factors or behaviors that increase the likelihood of developing the condition.
Cystic fibrosis, family history of cystic fibrosis, and genetic predisposition.
Prognosis:
The expected outcome or course of the condition over time.
Good with timely intervention; outcomes depend on the underlying condition (e.g., cystic fibrosis).
Complications:
Additional problems or conditions that may arise as a result of the original condition.
Intestinal perforation, peritonitis, volvulus, and long-term bowel dysfunction.