Korean J Pediatr Gastroenterol Nutr.  2006 Sep;9(2):249-255.

Three Cases of Meconium Plug Syndrome

• Park HS
• Kim TH
• Kim HY
• Park JH

Abstract

Meconium plug syndrome (MPS) is the mildest and most common form of functional distal obstruction in the newborn. It is a transient obstruction of the distal colon and occasionally small bowel that is caused by inspissated immobile meconium. Neonates with MPS commonly presented with abdominal distension, bilious vomiting and problem with passage of meconium plugs. A plain abdominal radiograph often reveals generalized gaseous distention of the small bowel loops without an air-fluid level. A contrast enema is diagnostic, showing the outline of the meconium plug, and therapeutic if the plugs are passed out. In some cases of MPS there is failure to pass the meconium with the contrast enema, and emergent surgery is then required. We report here two cases of MPS that were diagnosed and treated by exploratory laparotomy and one case treated with Gastrografin enema.

Keyword

Meconium plug syndrome; Neonate

MeSH Terms

Colon
Diatrizoate Meglumine
Enema
Humans
Infant, Newborn
Laparotomy
Meconium*
Vomiting
Diatrizoate Meglumine