The etiology of MP is variable w2, 8, 15x. The predominant
findings in our study were anomalies of the gastrointestinal
tract such as atresia w15x. Perforation mainly in
the small intestine could be detected in all neonates who
underwent surgery and three had an anatomic cause.
The incidence of cystic fibrosis in infants with MP was
previously reported to vary between 8% and 40% w6x. In
our series, diagnosis of cystic fibrosis was confirmed in
one case only. Studies also found a correlation of MP
with viral infections such as cytomegalovirus or parvovirus
B19 w17, 18x, but none were found in the current
population.