Laboratory observations on the viscidity of meconium.

Abnormalities in intestinal function associated with changes in meconium, which are usually discussed under the heading of meconium ileus, are responsible for many deaths in the newborn period. Disorders produced by meconium would seem to be largely due to intestinal obstruction due to the meconium being unusually tenacious and firm. The basic constituents of normal meconium have been known for 50 years (Zweifel, 1875; Lewin, 1900) and have recently been the subject of study by Rapoport and Buchanan (1950). We know, however, little of changes in composition of meconium related to the variation in its physical properties. Until more is known our treatment of diseases associated with abnormal meconium is likely to be arbitrary and unsatisfactory. The present study was undertaken in an attempt to determine some factors related to the tenacity of meconium. The features studied were 'surface tension', water content, tryptic activity and the nitrogen content of dried meconium.