children s health issues
Meconium Ileus
Introduction
Meconium ileus is blockage of the small intestine in a newborn caused by excessively thick intestinal contents (meconium), usually as a result of cystic fibrosis. Meconium ileus usually results from cystic fibrosis. Typically, newborns vomit, have an enlarged abdomen, and do not have a bowel movement during the first several days of life. The diagnosis is based on symptoms and x-ray results. The blockage is treated with enemas, and surgery is needed if enemas do not work. Meconium, a dark green substance, is a newborn's first stool. Newborns expel meconium almost always in the first 24 hours of life. If the meconium is abnormally thick or tarlike, it can block the last part of the small intestine, called the ileum. This blockage is referred to as meconium ileus. Above the blockage, the small intestine is enlarged (dilated), resulting in abdominal swelling (distention). Below the blockage, the large intestine (colon) is narrow (called microcolon) because nothing is passing through it. 