Newborn Bowel Movement Disorders

Diagnostic Considerations

The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that physical examination must include inspection of the lower back for cutaneous markers of spinal dysraphism, such as dimples, tufts of hair, or skin discoloration, to identify potential neurologic causes of bowel dysfunction 2
The American College of Radiology suggests that initial imaging with plain abdominal radiograph can assess bowel gas pattern, looking for dilated loops, air-fluid levels, or absence of distal gas, to differentiate between structural and functional causes of obstruction 1
The American Academy of Pediatrics notes that tethered cord syndrome and other spinal dysraphism can cause difficulties with bowel control, though symptoms in newborns are typically subtle and may only manifest as delayed meconium passage 2

The Journal of the American College of Radiology recommends that contrast enema can be used to differentiate structural causes, such as atresia or Hirschsprung disease, from functional causes, such as meconium plug, in cases of abdominal distention with abnormal radiograph 1
The American College of Radiology suggests that microcolon on contrast study suggests lack of luminal contents and points to proximal obstruction or Hirschsprung disease 1

The American Academy of Pediatrics notes that neurologic abnormalities affecting bowel innervation can impair normal peristalsis and stool passage 2