Meconium ileus-like condition in Hong Kong Chinese neonates

Abstract

Purpose: Cystic Fibrosis, Which Is Usually Associated With Meconium Ileus, Is Rare Among The Chinese Population. The Purpose Of The Present Study Is To Determine The Causes Of Meconium Ileus-Like Conditions In Chinese Neonates. Methods: The Records Of Chinese Neonates, Presented To Our Institution From June, 1994 To June 2000, Were Reviewed Retrospectively. All Patients Had Abdominal Distension, Bilious Vomiting Or Bile Aspirate; Contrast Enema Showing Small Colon Filled With Meconium Plugs Or Laparotomy Showing Meconium Plugs Which Filled Up The Distal Small Bowel And Caused Intestinal Obstruction. Results: There Were 10 Patients (7 Boys And 3 Girls) With Ages Ranging From 27 Weeks To 41 Weeks (Mean: 36 Wk) And Birth Weight Ranging From 0.94 Kg To 3.55 Kg (Mean: 2 Kg). Six Babies (60%, 6/10) Were Below 36 Weeks' Gestation And Birth Weight Of 2.5 Kg (27 Wk, 0.98 Kg; 28 Wk, 1.81 Kg; 28 Wk, 1.5 Kg; 31 Wk, 1.1 Kg; 32 Wk, 0.94 Kg; 34 Wk, 1.8 Kg). One Patient (10%, 1/10) Had Bowel Histology Showing Hirschsprung's Disease. Sweat Test Was Positive In Only One Patient (10%, 1/10). One Patient Resolved With Gastrografin Enema And All The Others Needed Surgery. Two Patients Had Primary Anastomosis And One Had Closure Of Enterotomy After Meconium Clearance At Operation, While The Remaining Six Had Initial Enterostomies. Conclusions: Cystic Fibrosis Is Rarely Associated With Meconium Ileus In Chinese Neonates Of Hong Kong. Majority Of The Patients With Meconium Ileus-Like Condition Are Premature Babies. Long Segment Hirschsprung's Disease Can Present Like Meconium Ileus.