Summary about Disease
Jejunoileal atresia is a birth defect in which the jejunum (middle part of the small intestine) or ileum (last part of the small intestine) is blocked or missing. This blockage prevents food from passing through the digestive tract. It is a congenital condition, meaning it is present at birth.
Symptoms
Vomiting (often green or bile-stained)
Abdominal distension (swelling)
Failure to pass meconium (the first stool of a newborn) within 24-48 hours after birth
Feeding intolerance
Constipation
Dehydration
Causes
Jejunoileal atresia is thought to be primarily caused by a vascular accident in utero, meaning a disruption of the blood supply to the developing intestine during pregnancy. This can lead to ischemia (lack of blood flow) and subsequent necrosis (tissue death) of a segment of the intestine, resulting in the atresia. Other possible causes include:
Intussusception (telescoping of one part of the intestine into another)
Volvulus (twisting of the intestine)
Internal hernias
Maternal use of certain medications (e.g., vasoconstrictors)
Genetic Factors: Occasionally, it can be associated with genetic syndromes, but most cases are sporadic (occur randomly).
Medicine Used
While there are no medicines to correct the physical defect of jejunoileal atresia, medications are used to manage symptoms and support the infant before and after surgery. These include:
Intravenous fluids (IV fluids): To correct dehydration and electrolyte imbalances.
Antibiotics: To prevent or treat infections, especially before and after surgery.
Pain relievers: To manage post-operative pain.
Total Parenteral Nutrition (TPN): To provide nutrition intravenously when the baby cannot digest food normally.
Is Communicable
No, jejunoileal atresia is not communicable. It is a birth defect, not an infectious disease.
Precautions
Since jejunoileal atresia is a congenital condition, there are no specific precautions that can be taken to prevent it. However, the following may be relevant to overall prenatal health:
Avoid smoking, alcohol, and illicit drug use during pregnancy.
Manage underlying maternal health conditions (e.g., diabetes).
Take prenatal vitamins as recommended by a doctor.
Regular prenatal care can help detect potential problems early.
How long does an outbreak last?
Jejunoileal atresia is not an infectious outbreak, so this question does not apply. It's a congenital condition affecting individual infants.
How is it diagnosed?
Prenatal Ultrasound: Can sometimes detect signs of bowel obstruction, such as dilated loops of bowel.
Abdominal X-ray: After birth, an X-ray can show dilated loops of bowel and a lack of air in the lower abdomen.
Contrast Enema: May be used to help visualize the location and extent of the atresia.
Timeline of Symptoms
Prenatal: May be suspected based on prenatal ultrasound findings (polyhydramnios, dilated bowel loops).
Birth to 24-48 hours: Failure to pass meconium.
Within first few days: Vomiting (often bilious), abdominal distension, feeding intolerance.
Important Considerations
Surgical Repair: The primary treatment for jejunoileal atresia is surgery to remove the blocked or missing segment of intestine and reconnect the remaining ends.
Long-Term Management: Some infants may require long-term nutritional support (TPN) until their digestive system fully recovers.
Short Bowel Syndrome: In some cases, extensive resection of the intestine may lead to short bowel syndrome, requiring specialized nutritional management.
Follow-up Care: Regular follow-up with a pediatric gastroenterologist is essential to monitor growth, nutrition, and any potential complications.