Impact of Meconium Obstruction-Related Risk Factors on Surgical Intervention in Very Low Birth Weight Infants

Abstract

Purpose: This study investigated the risks of development and surgical complications of meconium obstruction (MO) in very low birth weight (VLBW) infants. Methods: We performed a retrospective medical record review of VLBW infants admitted to the neonatal intensive care unit of Haeundae Paik hospital and diag nosed with MO of prematurity (MOP) between March 2010 and August 2013. Results: Of 267 VLBW infants admitted to the neonatal intensive care unit, 28 were diagnosed with MOP. Perinatal factors including maternal pregnancyinduced hyper tension and small for gestational age were associated with MOP development (P<0.05). Over twothirds of VLBW infants with MOP were successfully treated with a gas trografin enema. The remaining eight VLBW infants required surgery. Although small for gestational age was more frequent in the medical treatment group, specific risk factors associated with MOP development did not affect the need for surgical inter vention. Conclusion: MOP is common in VLBW infants, as most VLBW infants have risk factors for MOP. Identifying risk factors permits early diagnosis and initiation of appropriate medical treatment, reducing the necessity for surgery. However, the presence of specific risk factors does not increase risk of surgical complications.

Effect of Induction of Early Meconium Evacuation using Glycerin Suppositories in Promoting Feeding Tolerance in Low Birth Weight Infants

“…Some of these risk factors include extreme prematurity and low birth weight (less than 1500 g), as well as perinatal comorbidities such as gestational age, maternal high blood pressure, preeclampsia/eclampsia, maternal diabetes, delayed intrauterine growth, placental abruption, cesarean section, and prenatal magnesium sulfate, which can have depressive effects on intestinal smooth muscle cells. 5 Typical clinical symptoms of the disorder, however, include swelling in the abdominal section of the patient's body with marked bowel loops, vomiting, and sometimes a yellowish-green fluid. Various examination tests have been used for the diagnosis of this disorder, such as plain X-rays, ultrasound scans of the abdominal section, and contrast medium enema.…”