Is meconium ileus associated with cystic fibrosis?

Meconium ileus is indeed associated with cystic fibrosis. This condition occurs when thick, sticky meconium, which is typically passed by newborns, obstructs the intestines. In infants with cystic fibrosis, the mucus secretions become abnormally thick and can lead to gastrointestinal complications like meconium ileus.

Cystic fibrosis affects the function of the chloride ions in the epithelial cells, resulting in dehydration of secretions and contributing to the condition. While meconium ileus is most commonly noted in neonates, the significant link here is the underlying cystic fibrosis that predisposes infants to this particular type of intestinal blockage. Therefore, the association is well-established in medical literature, connecting the two conditions closely.