Impact of Meconium Obstruction-Related Risk Factors on Surgical Intervention in Very Low Birth Weight Infants. |
Hyun Sop Kwon, Ji Mi Jung, Yun Jung Lim, So Hyun Nam, Gina Lim, Mi Lim Chung |
1Department of Pediatrics, Haeundae Paik Hospital, Inje University College of Medicine, Busan, Korea. forevery52@naver.com 2Department of Radiology, Haeundae Paik Hospital, Inje University College of Medicine, Busan, Korea. 3Department of Surgery, Dong A University Hospital, Busan, Korea. 4Department of Pediatrics, Ulsan University Hospital, Ulsan, Korea. |
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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 diagnosed 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 pregnancy-induced hypertension and small for gestational age were associated with MOP development (P<0.05). Over two-thirds of VLBW infants with MOP were successfully treated with a gastrografin 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 intervention. 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. |
Key Words:
Meconium obstruction; Meconium plug syndrome; Very low birth weight infant |
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