Clinical meaning
Meconium Ileus involves pathological processes affecting GI mucosal integrity, motility, secretion, absorption, or hepatobiliary function. Meconium Ileus pathophysiology includes epithelial barrier disruption, inflammatory cascades (TNF-alpha, IL-1, IL-6), microbiome dysbiosis, and enteric nervous system dysfunction.
Diagnosis & workup
Diagnostics & workup: - RUQ ultrasound for gallbladder and hepatic assessment - Hepatic function panel: AST, ALT, ALP, bilirubin, albumin - Lipase (preferred over amylase for pancreatic evaluation) - FibroScan or FIB-4 score for hepatic fibrosis staging - Stool studies: calprotectin, C. diff toxin, O&P, culture - Capsule endoscopy for obscure small bowel bleeding - Anti-tTG IgA with total IgA for celiac disease screening
Risk factors: - Hepatitis B/C viral infection with cirrhosis progression - Prior abdominal surgery with adhesion formation - Tobacco use (impairs mucosal healing) - Obesity (BMI >30) increasing intra-abdominal pressure - High-fat diet with cholelithiasis predisposition - Chronic liver disease with portal hypertension - Diabetes with gastroparesis and motility dysfunction