Abstract
Background: Meconium aspiration syndrome (MAS) is one of the most common causes of respiratory distress in the term and post term newborns. Meconium staining of amniotic fluid occurs in 10-15% of all deliveries, amongst which 5% of babies develop MAS. Pulmonary artery hypertension (PAH) and pneumothorax are severe complications of MAS and these contribute significantly to mortality and morbidity in the affected babies. The objective was to study the prevalence, risk factors and outcome of PAH in neonates with meconium aspiration syndrome. Methods: This prospective observational study included 250 newborns with MAS who were screened for the development of PAH by echocardiography during hospital stay. The prevalence, risk factors and outcome of PAH were determined. Results: The prevalence of PAH and PPHN among meconium aspiration syndrome was 45% and 29% respectively. Low Apgar score at birth and presence of thick meconium were identified as the risk factors for progression to PAH. The outcome of newborns with PPHN was poor. Conclusion: There is a high prevalence of PAH in babies born with MAS and those progressing to PPHN have a poorer outcome.
Published Version
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