My Newborn Son Is In The Nicu Pending A Lab

Posted on Sun, 16 Feb 2020

Medically reviewed by Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team

Sun, 16 Feb 2020 Answered on

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Question : My newborn son is in the nicu pending a lab test for hirschsprung"s disease. His previous biopsy came back inconclusive. The biopsy was done due to a meconium plug at birth (2/5) that was surgically removed on 2/9. He has been receiving breastmilk since 2/11 and pooping regularly, though they are small. His belly is soft, no distention and good bowel tones. He is gaining weight. If he had hirschsprung"s, why would he be improving without intervention?

Answered by Dr. Diptanshu Das (48 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Wait and watch

Detailed Answer:
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I have gone through your query and understand your concern. Hirschprung disease is a problem involving the nerve supply of the intestines, thus reducing intestinal movements. This could lead to meconium plug or infrequent passage of stools. This does not involve any digestive problems directly and therefore weight gain and proper breast feeding do not ele it out. It is inappropriate to jump to conclusions. I would insist you to wait and watch. There is a strong possibility that your child does not have Hirschprung's disease.

Regards

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Kampana