CAPS original papersCurrent significance of meconium plug syndrome
Section snippets
Methods
Retrospective review of the medical record was performed on all patients diagnosed with a meconium plug identified in the rectum on contrast enema from January 1994 through February 2007. During the study timeframe, 77 patients were identified. Gestational age, birth weight, passage of meconium, bilious vomiting, abdominal distension, associated anomalies, and maternal diabetes were recorded. The presence of meconium ileus, small descending colon, a transition zone, malrotation, and intestinal
Results
Mean estimated gestational age was 37.4 ± 2.4 weeks with a mean birth weight of 2977 ± 693 g. Sex distribution included 48 males and 29 females. Abdominal distension followed by bilious emesis was the most common clinical presentation. A history of maternal diabetes was present in 6 patients (7.8%). Mean age at presentation was 1.49 ± 0.92 days. Spontaneous passage of meconium in the first 24 hours occurred in 15 patients (19.5%). No cases of meconium ileus or intestinal atresia were
Discussion
The term meconium plug syndrome was first reported by Clatworthy [1] in 1956 to describe the colonic obstruction because of inspissated meconium. Initial nonsurgical management was recommended as most of these patients were treated effectively with rectal stimulation or contrast enema. This original report was later updated with additional patients 10 years later, in which the authors recommended rectal biopsy to rule out Hirschsprung's disease if normal bowel function did not occur after
References (8)
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J Pediatr Surg
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Neonatal small left colon syndrome: intramural not intraluminal obstruction
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The meconium plug syndrome
Surgery
(1956)
Cited by (62)
Delayed diagnosis of Hirschsprung disease presenting initially as anemia: A case report
2023, Journal of Pediatric Surgery Case ReportsMeconium plug syndrome in twins
2023, Anales de PediatriaIntestinal Surgery in the Newborn—Atresias, Volvulus, and Everything Else
2023, Principles of NeonatologyShould we look for Hirschsprung disease in all children with meconium plug syndrome?
2019, Journal of Pediatric SurgeryCitation Excerpt :Meconium plug syndrome (MPS) is a benign cause of obstruction in neonates that typically presents with abdominal distension, emesis, and failure to pass meconium within the first 24–48 hours of life. Differential diagnosis includes intestinal atresia/stenosis, malrotation, volvulus, Hirschsprung disease (HD), meconium ileus, anorectal malformation, small left colon syndrome and more [1–3]. The transient large bowel obstruction is relieved by the passage of meconium plugs, which often occurs after rectal stimulation or with a diagnostic and therapeutic contrast enema.
Surgical Conditions of the Small Intestine in Infants and Children
2019, Shackelford's Surgery of the Alimentary Tract: 2 Volume SetIntestinal Obstruction
2018, Obstetric Imaging: Fetal Diagnosis and Care: Second Edition
Presented at the 39th Annual Meeting of the Canadian Association of Pediatric Surgeons, August 23-26, 2007, St John's Newfoundland, Canada.