Meconium plug syndrome usually occurs in infants who are otherwise healthy. It is generally regarded as a functional immaturity of the colon, resulting in failure to pass the first stool.
Etiology
Meconium plug syndrome is more common among
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Infants of diabetic mothers
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Infants of mothers treated with magnesium sulfate for eclampsia, preeclampsia, or preterm labor
One study noted that 16% of cases of meconium plug syndrome were associated with magnesium tocolysis and only 3% were associated with Hirschsprung disease; however, other reports have noted Hirschsprung in 10 to 40% of infants with meconium plug syndrome. Meconium plug syndrome is also associated with cystic fibrosis.
Symptoms and Signs
Diagnosis
Diagnosis of meconium plug syndrome is of exclusion and should be differentiated primarily from Hirschsprung disease.
Plain abdominal x-rays are nonspecific and can show signs of low intestinal obstruction. Conversely, contrast enema shows the characteristic appearance of the outline of the inspissated meconium against the wall of the colon, providing a double-contrast impression. Unlike meconium ileus, microcolon is not typically seen on x-ray with meconium plug syndrome.
Treatment
The water-soluble contrast enema can be therapeutic by separating the plug from the intestinal wall and expelling it. Occasionally, repeated enemas are required.
Rarely, surgical decompression is required. Although most infants are healthy thereafter, diagnostic studies may be needed to rule out Hirschsprung disease or cystic fibrosis.
Drugs Mentioned In This Article
| Drug Name | Select Trade |
|---|---|
magnesium sulfate |
No US brand name |
