Aetiology

Meconium ileus is very frequently associated with cystic fibrosis.

The secretory disorder in cystic fibrosis results in loss intestinal mucus and blockage of pancreatic ducts with loss of tryptic digestion. As a result sticky, inspissated meconium blocks the lower ileum of the foetus. Meconium peritonitis may occur if perforation of the bowel may occurs during intra-uterine life.(1)

Some studies also suggest that low birth weight infants are also at an increased risk for non- cystic fibrosis related meconium ileus (2)

Reference

1. Sathe M, Houwen R. Meconium ileus in Cystic Fibrosis. J Cyst Fibros. 2017 Nov;16 Suppl 2:S32-S39
2. Gorter RR et al. Clinical and genetic characteristics of meconium ileus in newborns with and without cystic fibrosis. J Pediatr Gastroenterol Nutr. 2010 May;50(5):569-72