Meconium ileus etiology statement.

• A. It is caused by high-dose pancreatic enzyme therapy
• B. It is not caused by high-dose pancreatic enzyme therapy
• C. It is caused by autoimmune disease
• D. It is caused by infection

Answer: (B)

Meconium ileus is a newborn obstruction of the ileum caused by thick, inspissated meconium, most often seen in cystic fibrosis. The underlying issue is defective CFTR leading to abnormal water and electrolyte movement in the gut, producing very thick secretions that plug the distal small intestine. This is a congenital, CF-related process and is not caused by high-dose pancreatic enzyme therapy. Pancreatic enzyme replacement is used to treat pancreatic insufficiency in CF, not to cause ileus. Autoimmune disease or infection do not explain this neonatal obstruction, which is the result of thick meconium rather than inflammatory or infectious processes.