Meconium Ileus
Overview
Meconium is the sticky, tar-like material that newborns pass as their first bowel movement. Healthy babies pass meconium within their first day of life. Babies with meconium ileus have meconium that is even stickier and thicker than usual. This can cause bowel blockage. Most babies born with meconium ileus also have cystic fibrosis, which affects the lungs and pancreas.
Symptoms of Meconium Ileus
Doctors typically diagnose meconium ileus during a newborn screening before babies leave the hospital following birth. Signs and symptoms of this condition include:
Not having a bowel movement during the first day of life
Swollen abdomen
Vomiting green liquid
When to see a doctor
If your baby is not diagnosed with meconium ileus before leaving the hospital, tell your child’s pediatrician if your baby vomits green liquid or does not have regular bowel movements once home.
Causes of Meconium Ileus
Unusually thick meconium typically causes meconium ileus. It is often a complication of cystic fibrosis.
Who’s at risk
If you have a family history of meconium ileus or cystic fibrosis, your baby could be at an increased risk of being born with the condition.
Diagnosis of Meconium Ileus
If your child experiences the symptoms of meconium ileus, their doctor will order an X-ray. This test will check for the presence of meconium in your child’s intestines.
Treatments for Meconium Ileus
If your baby has meconium ileus, they will likely need these treatments:
Feeding through an intravenous (IV) line. Your child may only be fed after treatment, either via a feeding tube or by mouth.
Placing a nasogastric (NG) tube. An NG tube will run from your baby’s nose to their stomach. This tube will help remove excess air and fluid.
Contrast study. Your child may have contrast (dye) placed into their anus to evaluate with radiographic pictures to either help release the meconium or determine the cause of their constipation.
Medications. Your child’s doctor will prescribe medications designed to break up the meconium, so your child can pass it.
Surgery. If medications and studies do not help your child pass the meconium, they will need surgery to further evaluate and treat their problem. During the surgery, a pouch (ileostomy bag) may connect to your baby’s intestine. This bag will collect stool outside their body. After surgery, your baby will temporarily spend time in a neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) to recover and ensure their intestines are working properly.
Home remedies
Before leaving the NICU, you will learn how to care for your baby’s ileostomy bag. Your baby’s doctor may prescribe medicine to prevent infection. Your baby may also need an over-the-counter pain reliever – such as infant Tylenol – to help manage discomfort and pain. One week after surgery, you can give your baby a tub bath.
Contact Us
If you suspect that your child may have Meconium Ileus, make an appointment with an Orlando Health pediatrician today so your child can start on the road to improved health.
