Meconium peritonitis-observations in 115 cases and antenatal diagnosis.

In 20 years the authors have met with 115 cases of meconium peritonitis (MP). The high incidence in China is shown. In all cases there were intraabdominal calcifications. There were no cases of fibrocystic disease. The authors classify 3 types: 1. Neonatal obstructive type 41 cases. 2. Free perforation with: Free pneumoperitoneum 15 cases. Localized pneumoperitoneum 23 cases. 3. No signs or symptoms, with potential intestinal obstruction 23 cases. The series shows a low incidence of atresia. The authors suggest necrotizing enterocolitis as a cause because of the high incidence of stenosis. Three prenatally diagnosed cases are discussed. All had hydramnios and fetal abdominal calcifications. Two of these were confirmed after birth. The mortality is high (42.6%). Abdominal x-ray in all cases with polyhydramnios may lead to a positive diagnosis of MP.