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06:27

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Duration of meconium passage in preterm and term infants

N Bekkali1, S L Hamers, M R Schipperus

  • 1Department of Paediatric Gastroenterology and Nutrition, Emma Children's Hospital, Academic Medical Centre, AZ Amsterdam, The Netherlands. N.Bekkali@amc.uva.nl

Archives of Disease in Childhood. Fetal and Neonatal Edition
|February 21, 2008
PubMed

Insights

Preterm infants experience a prolonged duration of meconium passage (PoM) compared to term infants. This duration is associated with gestational age, birth weight, and morphine therapy.

Area of Science:

  • Neonatalogy
  • Pediatric Gastroenterology
  • Perinatology

Background:

  • Meconium passage (PoM) is typically delayed in preterm infants.
  • The duration of PoM has not been previously compared between preterm and term infants.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To assess and compare the duration of meconium passage (PoM) in preterm versus term infants.

Main Methods:

  • Infants (gestational age 25-42 weeks) were categorized into four groups based on gestational age (GA): <30, 31-34, 35-36, and >=37 weeks.
  • Data on the duration of meconium passage were collected and analyzed.

Main Results:

  • A trend for delayed first PoM was observed with decreasing gestation (p<0.001).
  • Preterm infants showed a prolonged mean duration of PoM (Group A: 7.8 days, Group B: 4.3 days, Group C: 2.9 days) compared to term infants.
  • PoM duration was associated with lower birth weight (<2500g) and morphine therapy.

Conclusions:

  • Meconium passage is both delayed and prolonged in preterm infants.
  • Gestational age, birth weight, and morphine therapy are associated with the duration of PoM.
Abstract

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