Meconium peritonitis in neonates.
BACKGROUND
Meconium peritonitis is a rare occurrence in neonates. Experience in its management is presented, while also attempting to compare present results with previous reports.


METHODS
Between 1983 and 1993, 10 patients of meconium peritonitis were studied retrospectively. Clinical pictures, image studies, course and management were reviewed thoroughly.


RESULTS
There were seven males and three females, with two premature births. None of these patients had associated cystic fibrosis. The symptoms and signs presented within one week after birth, with abdominal distension being the most common manifestation (90%). Radiographic evidence of intraperitoneal calcified plaques or masses were present in only half of our patients. Surgery was performed in eight, of whom four had primary bowel obstructions. The most common site of bowel perforation was at the terminal ileum (six patients). Two patients who did not receive surgical intervention were diagnosed radiographically and sonographically, and showed cystic type meconium peritonitis. The outcome of these patients has been good except for one who died of sepsis.


CONCLUSIONS
The low mortality rate (10%) in this series may depend in part on successful prenatal diagnosis of four patients and, in part, on continuing progress in perinatal intensive care. A better outcome in this potentially fatal disease can thus be anticipated by the cooperation of neonatologists, pediatric surgeons and obstetricians.
Wang
Y J
YJ
Department of Pediatrics, Taichung Veterans General Hospital, Taiwan, R.O.C.
Chen
H C
HC
Chi
C S
CS
D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D008297:Male; D008470:Meconium; D010538:Peritonitis / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000601:surgery*; D011247:Pregnancy; D016216:Ultrasonography, Prenatal