Meconium obstruction of prematurity.

Abstract

Meconium obstruction of prematurity is an entity primarily affecting very low birthweight or extremely low birthweight babies causing low intestinal obstruction. Its presence may at best delay establishment of enteral feeding and compromise nutrition and at worst lead to mechanical obstruction requiring surgery or to intestinal perforation. There are considerable challenges in the recognition, diagnosis and management of this condition. Awareness of the disease and understanding of its pathogenesis may lead to early detection of affected babies and allow proactive measures to decrease the associated morbidity and mortality.

• Authors: M M F Siddiqui, M Drewett, D M Burge
• Journal: Archives of disease in childhood. Fetal and neonatal edition (Arch Dis Child Fetal Neonatal Ed) Vol. 97 Issue 2 Pg. F147-50 (Mar 2012) ISSN: 1468-2052 [Electronic] England
• PMID: 21115553 (Publication Type: Journal Article, Review)

Topics

• Early Diagnosis
• Humans
• Infant, Newborn
• Infant, Premature
• Infant, Premature, Diseases (diagnosis, physiopathology, therapy)
• Infant, Very Low Birth Weight
• Intestinal Obstruction (diagnosis, physiopathology, therapy)
• Meconium