Meconium Plug Syndrome in Neonate Following Administration of Magnesium Sulfate for Mother

The meconium plug syndrom is a benign form of colon obstruction in the neonate caused by a firm white plug of mucus. These babies usually present with abdominal distention. Abdominal X ray film reveals distended loops of bowels. Barium enema shows a long radiolucency within the desending colon. The plug is passed after the barium enema or a saline rectal irrigation.
Although meconium plug syndrom is found in otherwise completely normal infants because it can be difficult to differntiate from hirschprung disease and to rule out cystic fibrosis and hypothyroidism, a rectal biopsy, sweat test and thyroid function tests may be necessary to obtain in infants with meconium plug syndrom. This syndrom is occasionally seen in neonates due to use of magnesium sulfate after treatment for eclampsia.
In this article we are reporting a rare case of meconium plug syndrom due to hypermagnesemia used for treatment of eclampsia.