Meconium ileus is a condition where the baby's first stool (meconium) is so thick and sticky that it causes intestinal obstruction.

Association with cystic fibrosis

• The vast majority of meconium ileus (90%) cases are associated with cystic fibrosis, where the chloride channel mutation causes the mucous in the meconium to be excessively thick

PC

• No meconium passed within 48 hours from birth
• Signs of intestinal obstruction

Investigations

• Abdominal X-ray, which shows characteristic findings of a 'bubbly' appearance of the intestines with a lack of air-fluid levels

Management

• Meconium ileus is managed with 'drip and suck' (IV fluids and stomach drainage with an Ryles tube) along with enemas to remove the meconium
• Surgery may be necessary in severe cases