Gastrograffin use in distal intestinal obstruction syndrome of cystic fibrosis.
BACKGROUND
Meconium ileus equivalent or the Distal Intestinal Obstruction Syndrome (DIOS) is an entity that is frequently seen in patients with cystic fibrosis (CF). In the gastrointestinal tract cystic fibrosis may produces symptoms of malabsorption and constipation. The latter may be associated with complications such as impaction and intestinal perforation. Meconium ileus and DIOS are an emergency and requires to be treated aggressively to ensure that consequences such as perforation do not occur.


METHODS
Traditional modes of management of DIOS have included the use of laxatives, Acetylcysteine and Gastrograffin enemas. We are describing the use of oral gastrograffin in our patient seen at the Aga Khan University Hospital where small bowel obstruction was refractory to treatment. Oral gastrograffin was used once diluted in 4 times the volume of water or fruit juice with half doses given on day 2 and 3.


RESULTS
Oral gastrograffin use was followed by relief of obstruction in this patient.


CONCLUSIONS
Gastrograffin use orally or rectally may be helpful in the treatment of refractions distal intestinal obstruction syndrome in cystic fibrosis.
Shah
Uzma
U
Department of Pediatrics, The Aga Khan University Hospital, Karachi, Pakistan. uzma.shah@aku.edu
Shafiq
Yasir
Y
Khan
Muhammad Arif Mateen
MA
D002675:Child, Preschool; D003287:Contrast Media / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D003550:Cystic Fibrosis / Q000150:complications*; D003974:Diatrizoate Meglumine / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007415:Intestinal Obstruction / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000209:etiology; D013577:Syndrome
D003287:Contrast Media; D003974:Diatrizoate Meglumine