Meconium ileus

What it is

Meconium ileus is obstruction of the small intestines at the level of the terminal ileum with inspissated meconium.

Causes and risk

It may have associated cystic fibrosis. Among the manifestations of cystic fibrosis, meconium ileus stands in the intestinal tract beside meconium plug, rectal prolapse, FTT and malabsorption, and it is one of the neonatal symptoms of cystic fibrosis alongside malabsorption or failure to thrive and neonatal obstructive jaundice.

How it presents

• Generally present during the first three days of life
• Abdominal distension
• Failure to pass meconium, with or without vomiting
• Obstruction of the distal ileum from inspissated meconium