Efficacy Meconium ileus secondary to cystic fibrosis

There are no trials of oral or rectal acetylcysteine for meconium ileus secondary to cystic fibrosis. Case series of use of rectal acetylcysteine in uncomplicated meconium ileus include a report of 8 infants were given an acetylcysteine 20%, only 2 were successful in relieving obstruction compared to 9 of 13 relieved with diatrizoic acid (Gastrografin) enema [1]; acetylcysteine and pancreatic enzyme irrigation of a T-tube ileostomy has been reported in two case series with resolution of meconium ileus in 20 of 23 infants using 5–10 mL of an acetylcysteine 1% solution [2]; and in 6 infants using approximately 10 mL of a acetylcysteine 4% solution via the T-tube into the distal ileum [3].