Meconium ileus-equivalent in adult patients with cystic fibrosis
Haanaes, O.C.; Kongerud, J.; Storrøsten, O.T.; Geiran, O.
Tidsskrift for den Norske Laegeforening Tidsskrift for Praktisk Medicin Ny Raekke 116(6): 733-735
1996
ISSN/ISBN: 0029-2001 PMID: 8644075 Document Number: 456284
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 colicky 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.