Aim of this study was to describe the course of perinatal factors in neonates with meconium aspiration syndrome (MAS) from 1990 to 2010 and to determine risk factors for a severe course of the disease.All neonates with MAS hospitalized in our level III neonatal intensive care unit from 1990 to 2010.Retrospective analysis of trends of perinatal factors in neonates with MAS over time and of the association of these factors with severe MAS (need for invasive mechanical ventilation for ≥7 days, or need for high frequency oscillation or need for extracorporeal membrane oxygenation).We included 205 neonates with MAS, 55 had severe MAS (27%). MAS incidence and absolute number of MAS cases per year decreased during the observation period (p=0.003 and 0.005, respectively) as well as rates of outborn deliveries (p=0.004), duration of invasive mechanical ventilation (p=0.004), and hospital stay (p=0.036). Incidence and absolute number of severe MAS cases per year decreased (p=0.008 and 0.006, respectively), though the percentage of severe MAS among all neonates with MAS did not change. Risk factors for severe MAS were acute tocolysis (odds ratio 18.2 (95% confidence interval 2.1-155.3), p<0.001) fetal distress (3.4 (1.8-6.4), p<0.001), and severe and moderate birth asphyxia (4.4 (2.0-9.7), p=0.001 and 2.9 (1.5-5.6), p=0.009).The incidence and absolute numbers of MAS and severe MAS cases changed during the study period as well as neonatal management. Acute tocolysis, fetal distress, and asphyxia were associated with severe MAS.

High CRP and IT-ratio and low WBC and ANC values were closely linked to a more severe course of MAS during the early phases of the disease. These findings reflect the role of inflammation in the pathogenesis of MAS. Pediatr Pulmonol. 2016;51:601-606. 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

No abstract

A history of unexplained syncope in patients with a structurally normal heart should raise the suspicion of malignant arrythmias caused by primary arrythmogenic disorders. The diagnosis of Brugada syndrome can be concluded from typical ECG changes (i. e., incomplete right bundle branch block, ST elevation in leads V(1)-V(3)) accompanied by typical symptoms and a positive family history. To date, there is no effective therapy of the gene defect or its pathophysiological correlate available. Therefore, ICD therapy is recommended in symptomatic patients to prevent sudden cardiac death.