[Gastrointestinal complications in cystic fibrosis: meconium ileus equivalent]

In contrast to bloatedness and steatorrhoea the meconium ileus equivalent is a less well known gastrointestinal complication in cystic fibrosis and thus less frequently correctly diagnosed. The term, first used by Jensen in 1962, notifies partial or complete obstruction due to increasing viscosity of gut contents. The occurrence of the meconium ileus equivalent increases with age (approx. 10%), recurrences are possible. Among 73 patients with cystic fibrosis 8 patients with ileus equivalents were observed, two of them had a recurrence Surgery was performed only in one case. In all other patients the intestinal obstruction was relieved by oral and enema administration of N-acetylcysteine.