Korean J Perinatol.  2012 Dec;23(4):242-250.

Clinical Features and Outcomes of Meconium Intestinal Obstruction in Preterm Infants

• Yi GC
• Kang KJ
• Kim EH
• Kim CS
• Lee SL

Abstract

PURPOSE
This study was undertaken to investigate the clinical features and outcomes of meconium intestinal obstruction (MIO) in preterm infants.
METHODS
A retrospective analysis of medical records and radiologic images was conducted in a neonatal intensive care unit over a 3-year period (2009-2011). In addition, birth year- and gestational age-matched babies were selected by random sampling with twice the number as the control group.
RESULTS
There were 43 infants with MIO who were appropriate as subjects. In perinatal factors, a maternal history of hypertension and the use of magnesium sulfate were more frequent in patients with MIO, but not significant. Feeding intolerance was more common in the MIO group than the control (86% vs. 24.4%; P<0.001). The frequency of gastrografin enema was once in all but one of the patients, and the microcolon was detected in 7 cases (16.3%. Radiographic change after enema was seen earlier than clinical improvement (P<0.05).The patients with MIO took longer to achieve full enteral feeding, and had a more prolonged hospital stay (P<0.001).
CONCLUSION
Feeding intolerance in preterm infants may be an early clinical finding of MIO. Meconium obstruction causes a delay of full enteral feeding and extension of hospital stay.

Keyword

Meconium; Intestinal obstruction; Premature infant

MeSH Terms

Colon
Diatrizoate Meglumine
Enema
Enteral Nutrition
Humans
Hypertension
Infant
Infant, Newborn
Infant, Premature
Intensive Care, Neonatal
Intestinal Obstruction
Length of Stay
Magnesium Sulfate
Meconium
Medical Records
Parturition
Retrospective Studies
Colon
Diatrizoate Meglumine
Intestinal Obstruction
Magnesium Sulfate