Meconium Plug Syndrome with Aganglionosis

Abstract

The meconium plug syndrome is a well recognized entity—inability of the newborn to pass initial meconium by age 48 hours without manual or enema assistance. The association of this syndrome with congenital aganglionosis has been observed but not well documented. During the past 12 months we have encountered eight infants with the meconium plug syndrome. Six of these infants have developed normally, while two were subsequently proved to have aganglionosis. One of these two was initially diagnosed as having septicemia with paralytic ileus and the other as having anal stenosis. Removal of the meconium plug and antibiotic therapy in the former infant and simple rectal examination in the latter resulted in prompt regression of the signs of intestinal obstruction.