Medical Care of Newborns With Meconium Ileus. Data Analysis of World Experience and Own Observations

Abstract

According to various scientists, 10-20 percent of newborns with cystic fi brosis have meconium ileus (MI).MI is an obstruction of the small intestine that occurs in fetuses during the 20th-24th week of gestation due to a violation of the processes of the formation of meconium. The latter has an increased viscosity and cannot pass through the intestines causing their obturation. About 50 percent of the cases of MI are complicated by intestinal volvulus, intestinal atresia, malrotation, perforation with the development of meconium peritonitis and ascites, the formation of a meconium pseudocyst etc. The goal of the research is to conduct a systematic overview of the literature on the issue of MI in neonatal patients and to off er optimal tactics of medical support of newborns with MI on the basis of the analysis of relevant literary sources and our own observations related to this topic.The results. The overview of the literature in the historical aspect covering the last 20 years has demonstrated the following: due to the development and improvement of the methods of conservative surgical treatment of newborns with MI the mortality of the newborns with MI has decreased. The analysis of the data based on the global experience as well as on our own observations indicates the possibility of conservative therapy and surgical treatment of infants with MI and testifi es to the fact that in 50 percent of cases of uncomplicated MI the conservative treatment can be an eff ective option.The research contains the description of the step-by-step measures of conservative treatment. The indications for surgical interventions have also been specifi ed in the research.Conclusion. In treatment of newborns with MI resections and stomata should be avoided. Instead, preference should be given to gastric lavage.