Introduction: To understand and report the prevalence of meconium aspiration syndrome and the clinico-radiological features in a tertiary care hospital of western Nepal. Methods: An observational study carried out for a year in 2014-15 in all babies with MAS. Clinical and radiological profiles of MAS in relation to gender, gestational age, mode of delivery, birth weight, Apgar score, thickness of meconium, age at admission and the immediate outcome were studied. Results: Out of 584 admitted newborns (male=389; female=186) during the study period, 78 (13.4%) had meconium aspiration syndrome with male: female ratio of 1.2:1. Majority of babies admitted to NICU had thick meconium [n=52 (66.7%)]. There was no statistical significant difference in various parameters such as Apgar score at 1 and 5 minutes, respiratory distress, birth asphyxia, duration of oxygen use, MAS severity and chest x-ray in those with thick MAS compared to thin. Among all newborns with MAS, 59% (n=46) had abnormal radiological findings with over two-folds in those with thick MAS (71.7%)] compared to thin (28%). Hyperinflation (47.8%), diffuse patchy infiltration (37%), consolidation (21.7%) collapse (8.7%), right lung fissure (6.5%) and pneumothorax (8.7%) were the abnormal radiological findings seen in MAS babies. The odds of having APGAR score at 1 minute at least 7 or more was twice unlikely in those having thick meconium compared to thin (P=0.02) Conclusions: Thick meconium is relatively common with more significant abnormal radiological findings and low Apgar score.

Epidermolysis bullosa (EB) is a heterogeneous group of genetically determined, mechano-bullous disorders characterized by blister formation in response to mechanical trauma. The blistering of the skin occurs in the varying degrees of severity and can severely incapacitate the life of the afflicted patient. Epidermolysis Bullosa Simplex (EBS), the most commonly occurring type, is dominantly inherited where treatment still remains a major challenge. We report a newborn female with blistering of the skin during the immediate neonatal period.

Parameatal urethral cyst is a benign congenital anomaly which occurs in newborn, children or even in adults. Most area symptomatic and rarely present with urinary complaints. We report a case of an asymptomatic male newborn with congenital parameatal cyst which was recognized just after birth. Complete excision of the cyst with total removal of the epithelium is required for treatment and for prevention of recurrence.DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/jkmc.v3i2.11235Journal of Kathmandu Medical CollegeVol. 3, No. 2, Issue 8, Apr.-Jun., 2014Page: 92-93

Introduction: Hypoxemia is the major cause of neonatal morbidity and mortality. The study aims to determine the influence of birth weight, Apgar score, gestation age, body mass index and hemoglobin of mother on levels of SpO2 in healthy newborns born vaginally and through cesarean section. Methods: A hospital Based, observational study conducted in Department of Pediatrics, Universal College of Medical Sciences-Teaching Hospital, Bhairahawa, Lumbini, Nepal; on 49 vaginal and 49 cesarean deliveries with Apgar Score ≥ 6. SpO2 was estimated by pulse oximeter post-ductally between 1 to 30 minutes of birth. The observed SpO2 values were correlated with neonatal and maternal factors. Results: Vaginal and Cesarean deliveries SpO2 were comparable for birth weight, gestational age, Apgar score of neonates, body mass index and hemoglobin of the mother. Birth weight in vaginally delivered babies and Apgar score in cesarean births showed significant change in SpO2 (P<0.05). At all points of time the SpO2 values were higher in neonates, born by cesarean than those born out of spontaneous vaginal deliveries (P<0.001). Conclusions: SpO2 levels in neonates born through cesarean section were higher in comparison to thoseborn by vaginal route. Birth weight and Apgar score had correlation with SpO2 in vaginal and cesarean births, respectively.Keywords: Apgar score; birth weight; newborn; pulse oximeter; SpO2.

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