Development Of Meconium Aspiration Syndrome Research Articles

TransitionalHemodynamicsinNeonatesBornThrough Meconium-Stained Amniotic Fluid: A Prospective Observational Study.

Neonates born through meconium-stained amniotic fluid (MSAF) are at increased risk of altered cardiopulmonary transition at birth. There is a paucity of literature evaluating the transitional hemodynamics in these neonates. We aimed to evaluate transitional hemodynamics via echocardiography in neonates born through MSAF, compared to healthy neonates. The primary objective was to assess pulmonary vascular resistance using left pulmonary artery-velocity time integral (LPA-VTI). The secondary objectives were to assess other pulmonary vascular parameters and myocardial function. We enrolled 35 MSAF-born and 35 healthy neonates. Echocardiography was performed at 24 and 48h of life by a pediatric cardiologist. Echocardiographic parameters were compared between MSAF-born and healthy neonates, and between MSAF-born neonates who developed meconium aspiration syndrome (MAS) and who did not (non-MAS). Among 35 MSAF-born neonates, 14 (40%) were non-vigorous, 18 (51%) required admission to neonatal intensive care unit, 8 (23%) developed MAS, 3 (9%) pulmonary hypertension and 1 (3%) air leak. On echocardiography, LPA-VTI (cm;mean ± SD) was significantly decreased at 24 and 48h in MSAF-born neonates (14.38 ± 2.48; 15.55 ± 2.48), compared to healthy neonates (16.60 ± 2.14; 17.66 ± 2.71), respectively. Further, LPA-VTI was significantly reduced at 24 and 48h among MAS (11.81 ± 3.0; 12.43 ± 2.5), compared to non-MAS neonates (15.15 ± 1.72; 16.48 ± 1.55), respectively. Other pulmonary vascular and myocardial function parameters were comparable between the two groups. Pulmonary adaptation was significantly delayed in neonates with MSAF, which was more pronounced in MAS neonates. Further studies should explore the utility of these parameters for early prediction of cardiorespiratory morbidities in this population.

The Role of serum of Interleukin-6 in Predicting the Development of Meconium Aspiration Syndrome in Infants Born with Meconium-Stained Amniotic Fluid

The Role of serum of Interleukin-6 in Predicting the Development of Meconium Aspiration Syndrome in Infants Born with Meconium-Stained Amniotic Fluid

THE INFLUENCE OF PERINATAL RISK FACTORS ON THE DEVELOPMENT OF MECONIUM ASPIRATION SYNDROME IN NEWBORN: IMPORTANT IN THE ROUTINE PRACTICE OF DOCTOR-NEONATOLOGIST

The article summarizes the data on known risk factors for meconium aspiration syndrome (MAS) and those that continue to be studied to increase the effectiveness of the organization and provision of primary resuscitation for newly born, intensive care fornewborns with MAS, prevention of aspiration pneumonia and complications of MAS, including early and late neonatal sepsis. MAS hasnot lost its relevance in recent years, despite studies of this problem on all continents and in almost every country in the world, which is associated with a high incidence of MAS, aspiration pneumonia, persistent pulmonary hypertension, and pneumothorax. The frequency of meconium in amniotic fluid is from 10 to 24%, and the implementation of meconium aspiration syndrome occurs in 3-12% of cases. MAS increases the frequency of antenatal, intranatal fetal death, as well as neonatal mortality to 4.2% in the case of severe meconiumaspiration. Despite the scientifically proven link between the occurrence of meconium amniotic fluid and individual factors, includingpregnancy, infection and hypoxia, which play a key role in the development of MAS, the degree of influence of these factors at differentstages of pregnancy is still being studied. A study of the effect of hypoxia and infection on the imbalance between fetal defecation,urination, swallowing, respiratory tract secretion and amniotic fluid clearance. The differences between the value of physiological intrauterine defecation and pathological discharge of meconium in utero against the background of the infectious process in the mother (microbial colonization of the amniotic cavity funisitis), and fetal distress are shown. The role of delayed pregnancy, infection, andhypoxia during pregnancy in the development of MAS is emphasized, with an emphasis on the chronic course of these processes. It waspointed out that gestational age over 41 weeks cannot be considered a primary factor, in the risk of developing MAS, and the fact that body weight at birth is also important in the appearance of amniotic fluid contaminated with meconium and the development of MAS. If a pregnant woman has a microbial invasion of the amniotic cavity: chorioamnionitis or funisitis, the development of MAS is possible in a child born prematurely. Emphasized diagnostic value of intrauterine infection - a risk factor for MAS due to an increase in the normof several inflammatory mediators identified in umbilical cord blood. The influence of circulatory disorders occurring in utero under theinfluence of stress and shock factors (functional disorders in the mother-placenta-fetus system, hypertension, late hestosis in the mother,dehydration, infection, metabolic disorders, bad habits). The additional focus of neonatologists to ensure objective monitoring of thecondition of the fetus in maternity hospitals during the briefing, predicting the course of MAS will be insufficient justification for theindications for the use of oxytocin. Timely detection of new risk factors for MAS, the addition of importance in the development of MASwill help to improve and timely update birth protocols, in the presence of amniotic fluid contaminated with meconium, resuscitation andpost-resuscitation care for newborns, optimize clinical routes.

The Role of Interleukin-6 in Predicting the Development of Meconium Aspiration Syndrome in Infants Born with Meconium-Stained Amniotic Fluid; A Retrospective Analytical Study

Background: Since it is not always possible clinically and radiographically to predict the development of meconium aspiration syndrome (MAS) in infants born with meconium-stained amniotic fluid, there is a need for biomarkers that may predict the development of MAS in these infants. Methods: The study was planned in Ankara Zekai Tahir Burak Gynecology Hospital. Among term infants (>37 gestational weeks) born from mothers who had Meconium-Stained Amniotic Fluid (MSAF), the files of 60 patients who met the criteria for inclusion were retrospectively reviewed between January 2014 and May 2014. Results: There was no statistically significant difference between the characteristic features of infants who developed and did not develop MAS. Of the acute phase reactants, CRP, leukocyte count, platelet count, and thetotal neutrophil count did not show a statistically significant difference in both groups. We found that IL-6 was significantly higher in infants who developed MAS. The cut-off value for IL-6 was 51 with 62% sensitivity and 96% specificity. Morbidities such as pneumothorax and persistent pulmonary hypertension were observed more frequently in newborns who developed MAS and required longer mechanical ventilation, surfactant therapy, nasal CPAP support, inotropic support, and free oxygen therapy. Conclusions: We found that interleukin 6 is a good marker in predicting the development of meconium aspiration syndrome. We believe that this biomarker can be very useful when assessed with clinical and radiographic findings.

English

BACKGROUND Meconium stained amniotic fluid (MSAF) occurs in 12 - 15 % of all deliveries and is frequently associated with adverse outcome in pregnancy. The present study was carried out to find out the maternal and fetal outcome in pregnancy complicated by meconium stained liquor in labour METHODS This retrospective study was carried out at a tertiary care centre at Pune. A total of 340 cases who had meconium stained liquor during labour or was detected on amniotomy was analysed. RESULTS Out of 340 cases, 252 (74.1 %) had thin and 88 (25.9 %) had thick meconium. MSAF was detected more in early labour (244, 71.8 %), as compared to advanced labour (96, 28.2 %). 212 (84.13 %) patients with thin meconium delivered by vaginal route. 30 (34.09 %) patients with thick meconium delivered by vaginal route. 40 (15.87 %) patients with thin meconium delivered by LSCS and 58 (65.91 %) with thick meconium delivered by LSCS. This difference was statistically significant (< 0.001). Being multiparous was a protective factor both for mother and baby against the presence of MSAF. A majority of neonates, 199 (58.53 %) were asymptomatic at birth both in thin and thick MSAF group. Endotracheal suctioning was done in 101 (29.7 %) neonates in both groups. 40 neonates (11.77 %) were admitted to NICU for severe birth asphyxia. Meconium aspiration syndrome (MAS) was observed in 20 cases (5.88 %), out of which 18 (90 %) had thick meconium and 02 (10 %) had thin meconium. A total of 04 (1.18 %) neonatal deaths occurred due to MAS. They were born to primigravida, had induced onset of labour with detection of thick meconium and delivered vaginally. CONCLUSIONS Meconium stained amniotic fluid (MSAF) is associated with increased incidence of caesarean section, lower Apgar score, NICU admissions, development of meconium aspiration syndrome and neonatal death. Obstetrician should be more vigilant while dealing with cases of thick type of MSAF. A timely caesarean section improves the neonatal outcome. KEYWORDS Meconium Stained Amniotic Fluid (MSAF), Meconium Aspiration Syndrome (MAS)

Neonatal Outcomes in Meconium Stained Amniotic Fluid Delivery: A Rural Perspective

Introduction: Presence of meconium in amniotic fluid is a potentially serious sign of foetal compromise and has demonstrated that the incidence of MSAF rises with gestational age. The incidences of admission to Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) with various neonatal disorders were higher in pregnancies complicated by MSAF. Aim: To study clinical profile and outcomes in neonates born through MSAF at tertiary care hospital in rural area of Andhra Pradesh. Materials and Methods: This cross-sectional, descriptive study included a total of 4462 infants who were admitted in the NICU of Nimra Institute of Medical Sciences and Hospital, Andhra Pradesh from December 2017 to January 2020. All pre-term, term and post-term infants, delivered normally or by caesarean section or instrumental delivery, with MSAF, were included in the study. A detailed ante-natal, natal and postnatal history was taken for the neonates to detect the aetiology of MSAF, type and duration of delivery and any complications Post delivery. All the clinical assessment and lab investigations, X-ray assessments were done for the subjects as and when required. The observations were noted along with the treatment given. Results: Out of 4462 infants admitted in study period, 436(9.78%) had MSAF and 96 (22.01%) developed Meconium Aspiration Syndrome (MAS). MSAF infants born by Normal Vaginal Delivery (NVD) formed 220 (50.46%), Lower Segment Caesarean Section (LSCS) 176 (40.37%) and 40 (9.17%) instrumental delivery. MAS infants born by LSCS formed 38 (21.59%), NVD 52 (23.63%) and instrumental delivery 6 (15%).The mean gestational age was 38-40 weeks. MAS developed in 18 (50%) infants with gestational age >42 weeks, 12 (12%) between 40-42 weeks and 50 (23.36%) between 38-40 weeks (significant relationship, p-value 0.012). The mean birth weight was 2.599±441 kg. MAS developed more in infants of birth weight 2-2.499 kg and least were of birth weight between 1.5-1.999 kg. Male to female ratio was 1.27:1. Thick MSAF was seen in 160 (36.69%) and thin MSAF in 276 (63.31%) infants (p-value 0.001). In MAS infants, 82 had thick and 14 thin MSAF. Among MSAF alone infants (n=340), 142 (41.75%) were associated with birth asphyxia. Among MAS infants, incidence of birth asphyxia was 66 (68.75%). Thirty eight MAS infants developed complications. Pneumothorax was the most common complication. Overall, mortality was 160 (36.69%). MAS contributed to 22.5% of these deaths. A 60 (62.5%) MAS infants were discharged and 36 (37.5%) died. Conclusion: MAS was most consistently associated with thick MSAF. Preventive measures like timely evaluation of high risk factors, preparedness for untoward intrapartum events and close monitoring of MSAF infants can be taken to minimise the mortality and morbidity rates, because it is a global problem especially in under-developed countries.

Fetal Outcome and Mode of Delivery in a Patient with Meconium-Stained Amniotic Fluid

Background: Meconium stained amniotic fluid (MSAF), especially observed before term, is considered a sign of fetal jeopardy. Although many studies characterized this condition and associated it with delivery mode, data is lacking in this area, Saudi Arabia. Thus, we attempted to study it. Methods: All data were retrieved from pregnant patients with MSAF who delivered at King Abdul, Saudi Arabia, from January 2015 to December 2018. Results: 758 showed MSAF, of which 83% had vaginal delivery, whereas remaining 17% had an emergency caesarean section. Of them, 32 (4.2%) infants developed meconium aspiration syndrome, and 7 (21.8%) were admitted to the NICU. Conclusion: It was reconfirmed that MSAF is associated with a newborn risk, especially meconium aspiration syndrome. Patients had a higher rate for emergent caesarean section and baby admission to NICU. These data may be useful to make health/reproductive-health poly-making in this area.

To Study the Complications of Meconium Aspiration Syndrome & their Outcome In Relation to Gestational Age & Birth Weight In Tertiary Health Care Centre

Neonates born through meconium stained amniotic fluid,2-3% of them develop Meconium Aspiration Syndrome. Out of them,5-10% of them develop complications. Meconium Aspiration is typically seen in post-mature, small for date infants or a term infant with intrauterine hypoxia and in babies born with birth weight more than 2500gm.The objective is to study the complications of Meconium Aspiration Syndrome and their outcome in relation to gestational age and birth weight. Methodology: It is an prospective observational study was carried out in NICU of tertiary care centre and included 32 cases of Meconium aspiration syndrome. Study was done in a period of 14 months in and around Ahmednagar district. Result: The complications are Hypoxic Ischemic Encephalopathy (HIE), Seizures, Septicaemia, Pneumonia, Persistent Pulmonary Hypertension(PPHN), Airleak. Outcome of meconium aspiration syndrome in relation to gestational age is maximum death of 56.25% occurred in term babies which were 18.Outcome of meconium aspiration syndrome in relation to birth weight is maximum death of 53.12% occurred in neonates weighing between 2.5 to 3.5 kg which were 17. Conclusion: Meconium aspiration syndrome is seen in the new born period and contributes significantly to the neonatal morbidity and mortality. Severe Hypoxic ischemic encephalopathy being most common complication and birth asphyxia being most common cause of death.

Bubble continuous positive airway pressure as a primary modality of respiratory support in meconium aspiration syndrome

Background: Approximately 3–4% of neonates with meconium-stained amniotic fluid (MSAF) develop meconium aspiration syndrome (MAS), of which nearly 30–50% need continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) or mechanical ventilation (MV). Objective: The objective of the study was to evaluate the usefulness of bubble CPAP as a respiratory support in neonates admitted with MAS and to enumerate factors affecting the CPAP failure. Materials and Methods: A prospective study was conducted, involving all the neonates born with a history of MSAF with respiratory distress within 6 h of life (Downe’s score 4–7), SpO2 <90% with chest X-ray suggestive of MAS. Bubble CPAP was started with pressure and FiO2 adjusted to maintain a SpO2 between 89% and 95%, maximum pressure limit of 6 cm, and FiO2 of 100%, respectively. CPAP was removed when SpO2 was >90% with FiO2 requirement <25% and when respiratory distress was passive (Respiatory rate <60/min, no or mild retractions and no grunt). The primary outcome was measured in terms of improvement in Downe’s score and clinical condition of neonates. CPAP failure was defined as the need for MV, pulmonary leak syndrome, persistent pulmonary hypertension, and progression of Downe’s score. Results: Downe’s score at the start of CPAP was 6 which decreased to 4, 6 h post-CPAP. There was an improvement in FiO2, RR, and heart rate from 68%, 76/min, and 181/min to 84%, 48/min, and 123/min post-CPAP, respectively. The success rate of CPAP was 77% and failure rate was 23%. Conclusion: Early initiation of CPAP in MAS neonates decreases the need for MV and improves outcomes.

Influence of foetal inflammation on the development of meconium aspiration syndrome in term neonates with meconium-stained amniotic fluid

BackgroundMeconium-stained amniotic fluid is observed in approximately 10–15% of all deliveries; however, only 5% of neonates with meconium-stained amniotic fluid develop meconium aspiration syndrome (MAS). Although foetal distress and subsequent sympathetic stimulation have been considered as the primary upstream events of MAS, this clinical complication sometimes occurs due to other pathologies, such as intraamniotic inflammation. The aim of this study was to investigate whether the incidence of MAS is associated with the presence of funisitis and chorioamnionitis in term neonates with meconium-stained amniotic fluid.MethodsBetween April 2013 and March 2015, a total of 95 term neonates with meconium-stained amniotic fluid, who were hospitalized at a neonatal intensive care unit, were enrolled in the study. The placenta and umbilical cord were histopathologically examined. Clinical variables and histopathological findings associated with the incidence of MAS were studied.ResultsA total of 36 neonates developed MAS. Univariate logistic regression analysis revealed that a heavier birth weight, male sex, 1-min Apgar score ≤ 7, funisitis (but not chorioamnionitis), and elevated acute-phase inflammatory reaction score were associated with increased incidence of MAS (all p < 0.05). The multivariate model comprised funisitis (OR = 5.03, 95% CI [1.63–15.5], 1-min Apgar score ≤ 7 (OR = 2.74, 95% CI [1.06–7.09], and male sex (OR = 3.4, 95% CI [1.24–9.34].ConclusionIn neonates with meconium-stained amniotic fluid, funisitis, as well as low 1-min Apgar score and male sex, was identified as an independent variable for MAS development. Intraamniotic inflammation might be involved in the pathological mechanisms of MAS.

Meconium aspiration syndrome and neonatal outcome: a hospital based study

Background: The incidence of meconium stained amniotic fluid is 8-20% among all deliveries. The Aspiration of meconium into the airway results in various short term and long term morbidities and mortality. Timely management of these neonates with meconium in amniotic fluid may prevent Meconium aspiration syndrome.Methods: This prospective cohort study was conducted at Kempegowda Institute of Medical Sciences, Bangalore. All live Term neonates born between December 2016 and July 2018 with meconium in amniotic fluid were enrolled in the study. Details of the neonate was entered in the pre-designed Proforma. The objective of this study the outcome of MAS neonates and find factors associated with Meconium aspiration syndrome when compared with Meconium stained amniotic fluid neonates as a whole. These associated factors were presented as Odds Ratio (OR) and 95% Confidence Interval. Chi-square test was done where applicable and a p-value &lt;0.05 was taken as significant.Results: Meconium aspiration syndrome was seen in 79 out of the 188 neonates born with meconium stained amniotic fluid.Conclusions: The morbidity and mortality in a neonate with Meconium stained amniotic fluid (MSAF) to develop meconium aspiration syndrome (MAS) can be avoided with timely antenatal care. Meconium-stained babies should be aggressively managed to prevent complications like perinatal asphyxia and respiratory failure which may lead to the mortality. Those neonates with risk for adverse outcome should be managed with special focus on respiratory care with use of assisted ventilation and inhaled nitric oxide and extracorporeal membrane oxygenation, where available.

Sulphasalazine Induced Hepatotoxicity, A Risk factor of Meconium Aspiration Syndrome in neonates: A Case Study

Meconium aspiration syndrome (MAS) may be defined as a respiratory distress which develops due to the aspiration of meconium (first feces of newborn infant). It remains as one of the most common causes of neonatal respiratory distress. Among the maternal complication Maternal Hepatitis was most common 2(3.5%) which was supported in another study by Vineeta Gupta, B.D. Bhatia and O.P. Mishra (1996) in BHU showed of the various antenatal complications studied, where only hepatitis was significantly associated with Meconium aspiration syndrome.[2] In this case a pregnant woman suffering with high grade fever with chills and arthralgia was treated with sulphasalazine for 5 days then the liver parameters were elevated in her due to sulphaselazine hepatotoxicity, it further lead to the development of meconium aspiration syndrome in newborn baby. So the treatment with sulphasalazine was discontinued and the hepatotoxicity was treated with liver protectants. In this case as a clinical pharmacist our main intervention is to avoid the use of sulphasalazine in pregnant women.

Risk factors that can lead to development of meconium aspiration syndrome

Risk factors that can lead to development of meconium aspiration syndrome

Effect of Gastric Lavage on Meconium Aspiration Syndrome and Feed Intolerance in Vigorous Infants Born with Meconium Stained Amniotic Fluid — A Randomized Control Trial

To compare the incidence of meconium aspiration syndrome and feed intolerance in infants born through meconium stained amniotic fluid with or without gastric lavage performed at birth. Neonatal unit of a teaching hospital in New Delhi, India. Parallel group unmasked randomized controlled trial. 700 vigorous infants of gestational age ≥34 weeks from through meconium stained amniotic fluid. Gastric lavage in the labor room with normal saline at 10 mL per kg body weight (n=350) or no gastric lavage (n=350). Meconiumcrit was measured and expressed as ≤30% and >30%. Meconium aspiration syndrome, feed intolerance and procedure-related complications during 72 h of observation. 5 (1.4%) infants in lavage group and 8 (2.2%) in no lavage group developed meconium aspiration syndrome (RR 0.63, 95% CI 0.21, 1.89). Feed intolerance was observed in 37 (10.5%) and 53 infants (15.1%) in lavage and no lavage groups, respectively (RR 0.70, 95% CI 0.47, 1.03). None of the infants in either group developed apnea, bradycardia or cyanosis during the procedure. Gastric lavage performed in the labor room does not seem to reduce either meconium aspiration syndrome or feed intolerance in vigorous infants born through meconium stained amniotic fluid.

Respiratory distress in vigorous babies born through meconium stained amniotic fluid: incidence, onset, risk factors and predictors at birth

Background: One in every seven pregnancies ends with meconium-stained amniotic fluid (MSAF). MSAF can be harmful to the newborn with short and long-term sequelae. This study was aimed to find out the incidence, predictors, onset and severity of respiratory distress among vigorous babies born through meconium stained amniotic fluid which may or may not be evident at birth.Methods: It is a prospective observational study. One hundred forty-one neonates were studied. Data was collected on perinatal risk factors, clinical course and development of respiratory distress. Significance of the perinatal risk factors were identified by fisher’s exact test (p-value) and score based on odds ratio was assigned for significant risk factors. Results: This study included one hundred and forty-one vigorous babies born through meconium stained amniotic fluid, of which 36.9% (52) babies developed respiratory distress. Of the 52 babies who developed respiratory distress 19.23%(10 babies) developed meconium aspiration syndrome (MAS). In our study, it was observed factors like caesarean section and thick meconium increased risk of respiratory distress in the neonates born through meconium stained amniotic fluid who were vigorous.Conclusions: The incidence of respiratory distress in vigorous babies born through meconium stained liquor in this study was observed to be 36.9% (52 babies). 98.07% (51 babies) developed respiratory distress at birth or within one hour of life. All the babies who developed MAS had mild or moderate form of MAS. None of the babies required assisted ventilation. Risk factors like thick meconium, caesarean section showed significant increase in the incidence of respiratory distress. Therefore intrapartum monitoring and timely intervention can prevent the complications of MAS.

Risk Factors and Outcome of Neonates Born through Meconium Stained Amniotic Fluid in a Tertiary Hospital of Nepal

Introduction: The incidence of meconium aspiration syndrome is still high in the developing world contributing significantly to the neonatal mortality. The study was aimed to know the risk factors contributing to meconium aspiration syndrome and neonatal outcome in a tertiary government hospital of the country.Materials and Methods: It was a hospital based cross sectional study done over a period of three months. All live newborns born through meconium stained liquor were enrolled and all the details regarding mother, neonate were recorded. Odd’s ratio and bivariate analysis was done to assess the risk factors for meconium aspiration syndrome.Result: Out of all the deliveries 14.6% were meconium stained amniotic fluid and meconium aspiration syndrome developed in 6.6% of the neonates. Low Apgar score and premature rupture of membranes was significantly associated with the risk of occurrence of meconium aspiration syndrome. Neonates who developed meconium aspiration syndrome had mortality of 11.3%.Conclusion: Perinatal asphyxia and premature rupture of membranes were significantly associated with the development of meconium aspiration syndrome and neonates who developed meconium aspiration syndrome had high mortality.J Nepal Paediatr Soc 2015;35(1):44-48

Perinatal Outcome Associated with Meconium Stained Amniotic Fluid In Pregnancy

Objectives: To evaluate perinatal outcome associated with meconium stained amniotic fluid in pregnant women.Methods: It was a prospective cross sectional study, conducted in the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology in Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University, Dhaka, from January 2013 to December 2013. Total 50 pregnant women admitted in the labour ward for delivery with meconium stained amniotic fluid were the study population. Singleton pregnancy of more than 34 weeks duration was included and pregnancy with APH, breech presentation, congenital malformation of fetus, IUD were excluded from the study. Out of 50 patients two did not provide all the information needed to analyze the data and hence were excluded. Outcome Variables were gestational age, antenatal checkup, medical diseases of mother (HTN, Diabetes mellitus, Heart disease), obstetric complication (oligohydramnios, prolonged labour), mode of delivery, neonatal details (weight of the baby in kg, APGAR scoring at 1 min &amp; 5 min), neonatal resuscitation, admission in neonatal ICU(NICU), neonatal complications (RDS, MAS, Neonatal death).Results: Over half (52.1%) of the neonates needed resuscitation and 54.2% admitted in ICU. About 90% of the neonates had normal birth weight and only 10.4% were of low birth weight. 14.6% of the neonates developed meconium aspiration syndrome and 10.4% respiratory distress syndrome. Neonatal jaundice and neonatal sepsis were observed in 4.2% neonates each. Four neonates (8.3%) died early in the neonatal life, while 1 (2.1 %) was still-born. Low APGAR score (&lt;7) at 1 and 5 minutes of birth was found in 64.7% and 52.9% of the cases respectively with thick meconium stained amniotic fluid as opposed to 25.8% and 16.1% of the cases respectively having thin meconium stained amniotic fluid (p = 0.008 and p = 0.007 respectively). Thick meconium was significantly associated with meconium aspiration syndrome (p = 0.003). Neonates needing immediate resuscitation and admission in ICU was staggeringly higher in the former group than those in the later group (p = 0.002). The incidence of perinatal death was significantly higher in patients with thick meconium stained amniotic fluid than that in patients with thin meconium ( p= 0.021).Conclusion: Meconium stained amniotic fluid was associated with low APGAR score, higher incidence of MAS, ICU admission and perinatal death.J. Paediatr. Surg. Bangladesh 4(2): 44-49, 2013 (July)

Fetal outcome of meconium-stained infants resuscitated by endotracheal suction versus oropharyngeal suction at birth

Objective Meconium aspiration syndrome (MAS) is one of the most important causes of neonatal intensive care unit admission for full-term newborn infants. We aimed to compare between meconium-stained infants who were intubated at birth and full-term infants who were subjected to oropharyngeal suction of meconium at birth in terms of mortality, MAS, respiratory symptoms, and other clinical outcome measures. We also aimed to evaluate plasma thrombin activatable fibrinolysis inhibitor activity (TAFIa) levels, which may be used as a sign of hypoxia or inflammation in neonates with meconium-stained amniotic fluid (MASF). Patients and methods Seventy five newborn infants delivered through MASF with green-stained vocal cord were studied. The neonates studied were classified into two groups. The first group included 40 neonates with MASF who received endotracheal intubation and airway aspiration at birth. The second group included 35 neonates with MASF who were subjected to oropharyngeal suction at birth. Venous blood sample was drawn from all neonates 6 h after birth to measure plasma TAFIa. Results There was a statistically significant difference in the severity of MAS and respiratory oxygen support, more in the oropharyngeal suction group than in the ETT suction group. There was a highly statistically significant difference in days of oxygen treatment, days of mechanical ventilation, and duration of hospital stay. It was prolonged in the oropharyngeal suction group. Also, there was a highly significant association between poor fetal heart rate tracing pattern and severity of MAS in both groups. Meconium thickness had a significant effect on the severity of MAS in the oropharyngeal suction group than the ETT group. A significant difference was found between plasma TAFIa levels and the severity of MAS, proving that MAS was associated with more acidosis, hypoxia, and depressed fibrinolysis. Conclusion There was a higher incidence and severity of MAS in the oropharyngeal group than the ETT group. Risk factors associated with the development of MAS among infants with MASF include thick meconium, fetal acidosis, nonreassuring fetal heart tracing, and low Apgar score. Also, there was an increase in TAFIa levels in neonates with MASF and this may indicate depressed fibrinolysis.

Blood lactate level and meconium aspiration syndrome.

Approximately 5% of infants born with a meconium-stained amniotic fluid (MSAF) develop meconium aspiration syndrome (MAS). Early recognition of infants at highest risk for the development of MAS and the prediction of disease severity are important for optimizing the clinical strategies for prevention and treatment. The aim of the present study was to identify the risk factors for MAS and to investigate the effect of blood lactate level on the development of MAS. Between January 2011 and January 2012, data were recorded with regard to gender, mode of delivery, gestational week, birth weight, 5-min Apgar score, and need for resuscitation of the meconium-stained depressed infants who underwent tracheal aspiration. Moreover, the number of cases developing MAS, blood pH value, and lactate level in capillary blood gases obtained during the first hour after delivery, duration of oxygen supplementation, the number of cases receiving mechanical ventilation and surfactant therapy, duration of hospital stay, and outcomes of the infants were recorded. The number of live births during the study period was 17,202, and of them, 1,341 (7.8%) infants were born through MSAF. Of 195 infants who were meconium-stained depressed, 90 were girls and 105 were boys. Their mean gestational week was 39.37 ± 0.89 weeks and mean birth weight was 3,426 ± 634 g. Eighty-four of them were born through cesarean section (C/S), and 111 were born via normal spontaneous labor. For 40 infants, Apgar score at fifth minute was less than 6. In total, resuscitation was performed on 43 (22.9%) infants. Of the infants, 141 did not develop MAS and 54 developed MAS. While there were no significant differences between infants with and without MAS with regard to gender, delivery route, gestational week, and birth weight, a significant difference was observed regarding the Apgar score (p = 0.0001). The blood pH value in capillary blood gas analysis was less than 7.25 in 18 (28.5%) cases with MAS and four (3.2%) cases without MAS. There was no significant difference between infants with and without MAS with regard to blood pH levels (p = 0.031). The mean blood lactate level was 8.5± 3.4 mmol/L in the patients with MAS, and there was a significant difference between infants with and without MAS regarding blood lactate level (p = 0.0001). The mean duration of oxygen supplementation was 86.62 ± 66.52 and 44.36 ± 19.03 h in patients with MAS and without MAS, respectively. In total, 30 infants required mechanical ventilation (24 infants with MAS and 6 infants without MAS). In addition to mechanical ventilation, 16 infants with MAS were administered surfactant therapy. The mean duration of hospital stay of infants with MAS was significantly higher than infants without MAS (p = 0.0001). There was a correlation between blood lactate levels, blood pH value, and hospitalization duration (p < 0.05). All of the infants, except one patient, were discharged from the NICU. In addition to the blood pH value and 5-min Apgar score, increased blood lactate level may be a risk factor for the development of MAS in infants born with MSAF. This may aid in the early detection of MAS and, with appropriate measures taken sooner, reduce morbidity and mortality. Further studies are needed to elucidate the role of lactate level, which is an important indicator of hypoxia during the development of MAS.

Secreted phospholipase A2 is increased in meconium-stained amniotic fluid of term gestations: potential implications for the genesis of meconium aspiration syndrome

Background: Meconium-stained amniotic fluid (MSAF) represents the passage of fetal colonic content into the amniotic cavity. Meconium aspiration syndrome (MAS) is a complication that occurs in a subset of infants with MSAF. Secreted phospholipase A2 (sPLA2) is detected in meconium and is implicated in the development of MAS. The purpose of this study was to determine if sPLA2 concentrations are increased in the amniotic fluid of women in spontaneous labor at term with MSAF.Materials and methods: This was a cross-sectional study of patients in spontaneous term labor who underwent amniocentesis (n = 101). The patients were divided into two study groups: (1) MSAF (n = 61) and (2) clear fluid (n = 40). The presence of bacteria and endotoxin as well as interleukin-6 (IL-6) and sPLA2 concentrations in the amniotic fluid were determined. Statistical analyses were performed to test for normality and bivariate analysis. The Spearman correlation coefficient was used to study the relationship between sPLA2 and IL-6 concentrations in the amniotic fluid.Results: Patients with MSAF have a higher median sPLA2 concentration (ng/mL) in amniotic fluid than those with clear fluid [1.7 (0.98–2.89) versus 0.3 (0–0.6), p < 0.001]. Among patients with MSAF, those with either microbial invasion of the amniotic cavity (MIAC, defined as presence of bacteria in the amniotic cavity), or bacterial endotoxin had a significantly higher median sPLA2 concentration (ng/mL) in amniotic fluid than those without MIAC or endotoxin [2.4 (1.7–6.0) versus 1.7 (1.3–2.5), p < 0.05]. There was a positive correlation between sPLA2 and IL-6 concentrations in the amniotic fluid (Spearman Rho = 0.3, p < 0.05).Conclusion: MSAF that contains bacteria or endotoxin has a higher concentration of sPLA2, and this may contribute to induce lung inflammation when meconium is aspirated before birth.