INTRAUTERINE INTERVENTION IN A CASE OF RECURRENT MECONIUM PERITONITIS

We present a case of recurrent meconium peritonitis detected in the se cond trimester and treated by intrauterine intervention. Antenatal ult rasound findings included fetal ascites and intra-abdominal calcificat ion. Aspiration of fetal ascites under ultrasound guidance and determi nation of the bilirubin concentration established the diagnosis of mec onium peritonitis. Paracentesis was repeated to remove irritating inte stinal contents and to decrease pressure on the fetal thorax. Although the exact cause of the meconium peritonitis remains unknown, the recu rrence of the condition suggests a genetic basis. A possibility of cys tic fibrosis was not considered because the clinical picture did not s uggest it. Intrauterine intervention helped to establish the diagnosis of meconium peritonitis and may have contributed to the good outcome.