Frequency and Outcome of Meconium Aspiration Syndrome in Babies Born with Meconium-Stained Liquor at Secondary Care Hospital in Pakistan: A Case Series Study

Abstract

Background: Meconium aspiration syndrome (MAS) in the newborn is characterized by hypoxia, hypercapnia, and acidosis. MAS is a leading cause of morbidity and mortality in neonates. The primary objective of this study was to estimate the frequency of meconium aspiration syndrome (MAP) in babies born with meconium-stained liquor. The secondary outcome was to estimate the meconium aspiration syndrome; in terms of hospital stay, complications, and mortality. Methods: The study was done at Aga Khan Maternal and Child Care Centre, Hyderabad, Pakistan. Study design was case series and the duration of the study was of 6 months. All patients who fulfilled the inclusion criteria were included in the study after taking informed written consent. A brief history was taken, clinical examination was done and laboratory investigations were sent to the institutional laboratory. Study outcomes were measured from this data i.e. MAS, its complications, mortality, and a number of days in the hospital. Results: A total of 87 babies born with meconiumstained liquor at secondary care hospital were included. A total of 45 patients (52%) were males and 42 patients (48%) were females with a mean gestational age of babies 38.896 ± 1.210 weeks. The mean Apgar score at 5 minutes was 8.896 ± 0.404. MAS was present in 13 patients (14.9%). Complications were seen only one patient (1.1%) and there was no neonatal death reported. Discussion: MAS was present in 14.9% of babies; the complication of subacute bacterial infection was low seen in just 1.1% cases with no neonatal mortality.

Frequency of PPHN in Neonates Having Confirmed Diagnosis of Meconium Aspiration Syndrome

“…Meconium is the first stool of the neonate. It is composed of1substances that are swallowed by the fetus1during "in utero"1period: epithelial cells, mucus, fetal hair and water [1][2][3] . Meconium aspiration1syndrome (MAS) is characterised by respiratory distress that appears shortly after birth 4 , with aspiration pneumonitis confirmed by radiology and the presence of meconium-stained1amniotic fluid 5 .…”