Meconium peritonitis

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Meconium Peritonitis

Meconium peritonitis (/mɪˈkoʊniəm pɛrɪtoʊˈnaɪtɪs/) is a rare, prenatal complication that occurs when a fetus passes meconium (the first stool) into the amniotic fluid during pregnancy, causing inflammation of the peritoneum (the lining of the abdomen).

Etymology

The term "meconium" is derived from the Greek word "mekonion" which means "poppy juice" or "opium-like", referring to its dark, sticky appearance. "Peritonitis" is derived from the Greek "peritonion" which means "stretched over", and "-itis", a common suffix in medicine used to denote inflammation.

Causes

Meconium peritonitis is caused by a rupture in the fetal intestine which allows meconium to leak into the amniotic fluid. This can occur due to a variety of reasons including intestinal obstruction, volvulus, atresia, or cystic fibrosis.

Symptoms

Symptoms of meconium peritonitis in a newborn may include abdominal distension, vomiting, lethargy, and failure to thrive. In severe cases, it can lead to perforation of the bowel, sepsis, and shock.

Diagnosis

Diagnosis of meconium peritonitis is often made prenatally through ultrasound imaging, which may show a mass in the fetal abdomen, or postnatally through radiography or computed tomography (CT) scan.

Treatment

Treatment for meconium peritonitis may involve surgical intervention to repair the ruptured intestine and remove the meconium from the peritoneum. In some cases, antibiotics may be administered to treat any resulting infection.

Prognosis

The prognosis for meconium peritonitis varies depending on the severity of the condition and the presence of other complications. With early diagnosis and treatment, many infants can recover fully.

See Also

External links

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