Background: The presence of meconium in amniotic fluid is a serious sign of fetal distress which leads to an increase in neonatal mortality. Objective: The objective of this study was to study the risk factors, clinical profile, and outcome of babies born through meconium-stained fluid. Materials and Methods: This prospective observational study was conducted during the period from February 2018 to October 2018 at neonatal unit of a tertiary care hospital. All live babies delivered through meconium-stained liquor were included in this study. Routine investigations such as complete blood count and C-reactive protein were done in all the patients. All the variables were analyzed with the help of the Chi-square test and Fisher’s exact test. Results: A total of 606 meconium-stained amniotic fluid (MSAF) babies were included in the study. Most of the MSAF babies were term, appropriate for gestational age babies. The number of babies delivered through the lower segment cesarean section was 61.7%. Fetal distress was present in 23.2% of the cases. Otherwise, the most common risk factor associated with MSAF was pre-eclampsia (5.9%). A total of 58.2% of babies developed respiratory distress after birth; other morbidities associated were convulsion, hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy, sepsis, shock, hypoglycemia, and hyperbilirubinemia. In the present study, total mortality in MSAF babies was 12%. Babies who expired had severe meconium aspiration syndrome. Duration of hospital stay was <7 days in 83.9% of the neonates, of which 14% expired and 85% were discharged. All the mortalities in our study except one occurred within 7 days of life. Conclusion: MSAF is associated with significant morbidity and mortality in neonates. Mortality was more in non-vigorous babies and in those who developed severe meconium aspiration syndrome and pulmonary hypertension of the newborn. Other morbidities did not have a strong association with MSAF.

Background: To study the development of respiratory complications in the form of meconium aspiration syndrome (MAS), persistent pulmonary hypertension of newborn (PPHN), pulmonary hemorrhage and pneumothorax in neonates born through meconium stained liquor.Methods: It was a prospective study conducted during the period of February to October 2018. All live babies associated with meconium stained liquor were included.Results: Total 606 neonates with meconium stained amniotic fluid (MSAF) were enrolled. Chance of meconium passage was more after 37wk of gestation, in birth weight >2.5 kg and in AGA babies. The rate of LSCS was higher in MSAF group. MAS developed in 28% cases, out of which 42.9% expired. PPHN developed in 6.9% cases, out of which 80% expired. 100% mortality was there in babies with pulmonary hemorrhage. Apgar scores <7 is significantly associated with the development of respiratory complications. 22.8% of vigorous babies and all non-vigorous babies developed respiratory complications showing statistical significance with P-value of <0.00001. Mortality in MSAF was 12%. All babies who expired had severe meconium aspiration syndrome. 83.9% of the patients stayed for <7 days in the hospital. All of the expiry except one occurred within 7 days of life due to development of respiratory complications.Conclusions: MSAF is associated with the development of respiratory complications and mortality in neonates. Non-vigorous babies and the babies with Apgar scores <7 at birth are more prone to developing respiratory complications. Most of the MSAF babies were discharged and mortality was more in patients with respiratory complications.