title: Gastrograffin use in distal intestinal obstruction syndrome of cystic fibrosis.
abstract: 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.
authors.affiliation: Department of Pediatrics, The Aga Khan University Hospital, Karachi, Pakistan. uzma.shah@aku.edu
authors.forename: Uzma
authors.initials: U
authors.lastname: Shah
authors.forename: Yasir
authors.initials: Y
authors.lastname: Shafiq
authors.forename: Muhammad Arif Mateen
authors.initials: MA
authors.lastname: Khan
mesh_terms: 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
chemical_list: D003287:Contrast Media; D003974:Diatrizoate Meglumine