What is the difference between meconium ileus and plug?

The difference between meconium ileus and meconium plug syndrome is in the site and severity of the obstruction. Contrast enema radiographic examination demonstrates a microcolon, often with no bowel contents. Reflux of contrast into the small bowel reveals the plugs.

Is meconium plug normal?

Meconium plug syndrome usually occurs in infants who are otherwise healthy, but it is more common among premature infants, infants born to diabetic mothers, and infants of mothers who were given magnesium sulfate to treat preeclampsia, eclampsia, or preterm labor.

What causes meconium ileus?

Meconium ileus is blockage of the small intestine in a newborn caused by excessively thick intestinal contents (meconium), usually as a result of cystic fibrosis. Meconium ileus usually results from cystic fibrosis.

How do you treat a meconium plug?

Meconium plug syndrome is colonic obstruction caused by thick meconium. Diagnosis is based on radiographic contrast enema and sometimes testing for Hirschsprung disease. Treatment is radiographic contrast enema; surgical decompression is rarely required.

What’s the difference between a meconium plug and ileus?

A meconium plug is different from meconium ileus. A meconium plug may happen in babies who have small left colon syndrome. This means the last part of their colon is smaller than normal. Small left colon syndrome happens more often in babies whose mothers have diabetes or gestational diabetes (diabetes that happens during pregnancy).

What is a meconium plug in a baby?

Some babies have a similar blockage in their colon (large intestine) called a meconium plug. A meconium plug is different from meconium ileus. A meconium plug may happen in babies who have small left colon syndrome. This means the last part of their colon is smaller than normal.

How does meconium plug syndrome affect the left colon?

It is usually transient and affects the left colon with meconium plugging the bowel distal to this segment. In this situation, it is also termed the small left colon syndrome. May show multiple dilated bowel loops which are a non-specific finding. There may be a caliber change around the splenic flexure.

What does it mean to have meconium in your bowel?

Meconium ileus. Meconium ileus refers to a neonatal bowel obstruction of the distal ileum due to abnormally thick and impacted meconium. Unlike in the meconium plug syndrome, the meconium is abnormal in consistency.