Intratracheal catheter suction removes the same volume of meconium with less impact on desaturation compared with meconium aspirator in meconium aspiration syndrome

Abstract

Objective To evaluate the impact of suction technique on the rate of meconium removal, oxygenation, and hemodynamics in an animal experimental model of meconium aspiration syndrome (MAS). Methods MAS was induced in ventilated rabbits using 3.5 ml/kg of 20% human meconium. Tracheal suction with either catheter suction (CS) or meconium aspirator (MA) was performed after meconium instillation. Percentage of meconium collection rate, PaO 2 trends for 2 h after tracheal suction, and acute-phase SpO 2 trends were compared between CS and the other three groups, the tube was withdrawn while meconium was aspirated with an MA, then the trachea was reintubated 5, 10 or 15 s after suctioning of meconium. Results Percentage of meconium collection rate and PaO 2 showed no significant differences between groups. The MA group taking 15 s for reintubation after meconium suctioning, showed a significantly lower acute-phase SpO 2 than the CS group ( P < 0.05). The time for SpO 2 to return to ≥ 90% was also longer in the MA group taking 15 s for reintubation than in the CS group ( P < 0.05). Conclusion Intratracheal CS removed the same volume of meconium with less impact on desaturation compared with meconium aspiration in an animal model of MAS. Intratracheal CS may be benefit to remove meconium in non-vigorous infants with meconium-stained amniotic fluid at birth.