Which of the following is a common early sign of cystic fibrosis in newborns?

• A. Jaundice
• B. Seizures
• C. Hypotonia
• D. Meconium ileus

Answer: (D)

Cystic fibrosis causes thick, dehydrated secretions in the gut, so a hallmark early sign in newborns is obstruction from sticky meconium—meconium ileus. This occurs when thickened intestinal contents block the distal small intestine, often leading to failure to pass meconium in the first day or two, abdominal distention, and vomiting. It’s a classic neonatal presentation in CF and should prompt CF evaluation. Jaundice can appear in many newborns and isn’t specific to CF, and seizures or hypotonia aren’t typical early CF signs. So the best answer reflects the intestinal obstruction from thick meconium.