Which of the following is a pediatric-specific condition for fecal diversion?

• A. Meconium ileus
• B. Crohn's disease
• C. Ureteropelvic junction obstruction
• D. Down's syndrome

Answer: (A)

The concept here is identifying a condition that is specifically pediatric and directly calls for fecal diversion as part of management. Meconium ileus is a newborn intestinal obstruction caused by unusually thick, sticky meconium, often seen in infants with cystic fibrosis. Because the blockage prevents passage of stool and can threaten bowel viability, temporary fecal diversion (such as an ostomy) is a common part of treatment to decompress and bypass the obstruction, allowing the bowel to heal and the child to grow. This makes it the pediatric-specific indication for a fecal diversion among the options.

Crohn's disease can occur in children but is not exclusive to the pediatric population, and while an ostomy can be used in severe Crohn's cases, it is not a pediatric-specific condition for fecal diversion. Ureteropelvic junction obstruction is a urinary tract issue, not related to the intestines or fecal diversion. Down's syndrome is a genetic condition with various associations, but it does not define a pediatric-specific fecal-diversion indication.