children s health issues
Meconium Plug Syndrome
Introduction
Meconium plug syndrome is blockage of the large intestine with thick intestinal contents (meconium). Meconium plug syndrome may result from Hirschsprung disease or cystic fibrosis. Typically, newborns have feeding problems, vomit, have an enlarged abdomen, and do not have a bowel movement during the first day or two of life. The diagnosis is based on symptoms and x-ray results. The blockage is treated with enemas and rarely surgery. Meconium, a dark green material, is a newborn's first stool. Newborns expel meconium at or shortly after birth. If the meconium is abnormally thick or tarlike, it can block the large intestine (colon). In meconium plug syndrome, the colon is completely blocked with thick meconium. Above the blockage, the small intestine is enlarged (dilated) resulting in abdominal swelling (distention). Meconium plug syndrome usually occurs in infants who are otherwise healthy, but it is more common among Preterm (Premature) Newborns , infants born to mothers with diabetes, and infants of mothers who were given magnesium sulfate to treat Meconium plug syndrome may be a sign of other disorders, such as Hirschsprung Disease or Meconium Ileus is similar to meconium plug syndrome except that it is the small intestine that is blocked by meconium. 