Meconium plug syndrome.

Abstract

Meconium plug syndrome was first reported by Clatworthy in 1956, describing a syndrome of colonic obstruction because of inspissated meconium. Meconium plug syndrome is also called functional immaturity of the colon. It is the most common form of functional bowel obstruction in the newborn, with an incidence of 1/500 newborns. This transient disorder is characterized by a delayed passage (> 24–48 h) of meconium and intestinal dilatation. In general, meconium plug syndrome is observed in premature newborns that are otherwise normal. Cystic fibrosis and Hirschsprung’s disease may be associated with meconium plug syndrome and should be excluded.