Pathophysiology
Clinical meaning
Meconium ileus is a bowel obstruction in a newborn caused by abnormally thick, sticky meconium that becomes impacted in the ileum (the last part of the small intestine). In a healthy newborn, meconium is passed within the first 24-48 hours of life. In meconium ileus, the meconium is too thick and viscous to move through the bowel, creating a blockage. This condition is strongly associated with cystic fibrosis (CF): approximately 80-90% of infants with meconium ileus are later diagnosed with CF. The thick secretions characteristic of CF affect the pancreas and intestinal glands, producing abnormally viscous meconium. The nursing role focuses on recognizing the signs of bowel obstruction in the newborn, monitoring for complications, and reporting findings promptly.