Abstract
Meconium peritonitis with intraperitoneal hemorrhage was a very rare condition.
A one-day-old girl, weighed 2534g, was referred to our department because of severe abdominal distension and respiratory distress. She was critically ill. The temperature was 37.4°C, pulse rate 173/min. and respiratory rate 42/min. Laboratory tests revealed that white blood cell count was 92, 300, and red blood cell count 228×104. Blood gas analysis showed severe respiratory acidosis. Abdominal paracentesis was done to examine the ascitic fluid, which was greenish brown and contained both squamous cells and red cells. The presence of squamous cells indicated perforation of the intestine because they were present in amniotic fluid, which was swallowed. Under a diagnosis of meconium peritonitis with intraperitoneal hemorrhage, abdominal drainage was carried out under local anesthesia. Her general conditions improved gradually after the drainage of the abdominal cavity. At the 14th day after birth, laparotomy was done under general anesthesia. It revealed adhesive intestines and ileal atresia with partial necrosis. Resection of the ileum and drainage of the abdominal cavity were done. The postoperative course was uneventful. She is well now.
