Iopamidol enema treatment for meconium obstruction of prematurity in extremely low-birth weight infants: a safe and effective method.
OBJECTIVE
Meconium obstruction of prematurity (MO) often occurs in extremely low-birth weight (ELBW) infants, and its treatment is quite a challenge for neonatologists. We attempted to establish a method of primary treatment for MO of prematurity in ELBW infants.


METHODS
An iopamidol enema with 50 cm H(2)O static pressure was performed as the primary treatment. This procedure is safe and effective and we recommend this as the first treatment for MO in ELBW infants.


RESULTS
The procedure was performed 50 times in 23 infants and no complications occurred. Out of 23 patients, 20 (88%) improved, but the other 3 did not. In the failure group, the procedure was performed on a significantly later date and the mortality rate was higher (12.5 vs. 67%).


CONCLUSIONS
This procedure is safe and effective. We recommend this as the first treatment for MO in ELBW infants.
Nakaoka
Tatsuo
T
Department of Pediatric Surgery, Kawasaki Medical School, Kurashiki, Okayama, Japan. tnakaoka@med.kawasaki-m.ac.jp
Shiokawa
Chizuka
C
Nishihara
Masato
M
Tamai
Hiroshi
H
Funato
Masahisa
M
Uemura
Sadashige
S
D003287:Contrast Media / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D004733:Enema / Q000379:methods*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D052577:Infant, Extremely Low Birth Weight; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D007234:Infant, Premature; D007235:Infant, Premature, Diseases / Q000628:therapy*; D007415:Intestinal Obstruction / Q000209:etiology / Q000628:therapy*; D007479:Iopamidol / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D008297:Male; D008470:Meconium; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D016896:Treatment Outcome
D003287:Contrast Media; D007479:Iopamidol