A neonate with meconium ileus is most likely to have which condition?

In neonates, the presence of meconium ileus, which refers to a blockage of the intestine due to thick, sticky meconium, is most strongly associated with cystic fibrosis. This condition arises because cystic fibrosis leads to the production of abnormally thick and viscous secretions in various organs, particularly affecting the pancreas and the intestines. In the gastrointestinal tract, this thickened meconium can result in a blockage, known as meconium ileus, leading to symptoms like abdominal distension and failure to pass meconium.

Cystic fibrosis is a genetic disorder caused by mutations in the CFTR gene, which affects chloride ion transport, and this defect severely impacts the viscosity of secretions. The manifestation of meconium ileus is often one of the earliest signs of cystic fibrosis in neonates, and it is a critical point for diagnosis.

While meconium plug syndrome, intestinal malrotation, and Hirschsprung’s disease can present with intestinal obstruction or issues in neonates, they are less characteristic and not as commonly associated with meconium ileus as cystic fibrosis is. Therefore, recognizing the strong association between meconium ileus and cystic fibrosis is crucial for diagnosis and management in