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[Meconium ileus-equivalent in adult patients with cystic fibrosis]
O C Haanaes1, J Kongerud, O T Storrøsten
1Medisinsk avdeling, Aker sykehus, Oslo.
Insights
Meconium ileus-equivalent, a type of intestinal obstruction in cystic fibrosis, is increasingly seen in adults. This condition, caused by thick intestinal contents, requires conservative management over surgery.
Area of Science:
- Gastroenterology
- Pulmonology
- Pediatrics
Background:
- Cystic fibrosis (CF) patients are living longer, leading to an increase in age-related complications.
- Gastrointestinal issues, particularly meconium ileus-equivalent, are becoming more prevalent in the adult CF population.
- Meconium ileus-equivalent involves intestinal obstruction due to abnormally viscid mucofaeculent material.
Abstract:
Gastrointestinal complications of cystic fibrosis are becoming more common because patients with cystic fibrosis are living longer. There are 227 cystic fibrosis patients in Norway today, almost half of whom are more than 18 years old. Meconiumileus-equivalent is a complication which increases with age. It is a term used to describe partial or complete intestinal obstruction occurring in patients with cystic fibrosis. It results from abnormally viscid mucofaeculent material in the terminal ileum and right proximal colon. Some patients may experience acute complete obstruction, but most of them suffer from chronic partial obstruction, with recurring colicly abdominal pain and some distension. Of 70 adult cystic fibrosis patients at Aker hospital over a seven year period, 26% had symptoms and signs of this disorder. Conservative treatment is preferable, and surgery should be avoided.