meconium ileus

ileus /il·e·us/ (il´e-us) intestinal obstruction.

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adynamic ileus  that due to inhibition of bowel motility.

dynamic ileus , hyperdynamic ileus spastic i.

mechanical ileus  that due to mechanical causes, such as hernia, adhesions, volvulus, etc.

meconium ileus  ileus in the newborn due to blocking of the bowel with thick meconium.

occlusive ileus  mechanical i.

paralytic ileus , ileus paraly´ticus adynamic i.

spastic ileus  mechanical ileus due to persistent contracture of a bowel segment.

ileus subpar´ta  that due to pressure of the gravid uterus on the pelvic colon.

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meconium ileus

n.

Intestinal obstruction in a newborn child following the thickening of meconium resulting from a lack of trypsin and associated with cystic fibrosis of the pancreas.

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meconium ileus,

obstruction of the small intestine in the newborn caused by impaction of thick, dry, tenacious meconium, usually at or near the ileocecal valve. Symptoms include abdominal distension, vomiting, failure to pass meconium within the first 24 to 48 hours after birth, and rapid dehydration with associated electrolyte imbalance. The condition results from a deficiency in pancreatic enzymes and is the earliest manifestation of cystic fibrosis. In uncomplicated cases in which perforation, volvulus, or atresia does not occur, the obstruction may be relieved by giving enemas with a contrast medium, such as a hypertonic solution of meglumine diatrizoate and sodium diatrizoate, under fluoroscopy. Fluid is replaced intravenously to prevent dehydration. If two or three enemas do not dislodge the obstruction, surgery is necessary. See also meconium plug syndrome.

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meconium

yellow-orange mucilaginous material in the intestine of the full-term fetus; it constitutes the first stools passed by the newborn.

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meconium aspiration

aspiration of fragments of meconium into the pulmonary airways occurs in the fetus in the terminal stages of many infections.

meconium ileus

intestinal obstruction in the newborn due to the blocking of the bowels with thick meconium. This is an important disease of newborn colt foals. The syndrome is usually one of subacute abdominal pain, restlessness and straining, and a positive finding on rectal examination. Occasional cases show severe pain and tympany of the large intestine. Called also meconium retention.

meconium retention

see meconium ileus (above). See also impaction colic.

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meconium ileus

Meconium plug syndrome Obstetrics A condition characterized by obstruction of the neonatal intestine by meconium that may be confined to the ileus, a finding characteristic of cystic fibrosis Clinical Non-passage of stool in the first 2 days of life, vomiting, abdominal distension Complications Volvulus, intestinal infarction