Maternal blood aspiration: an unusual cause of respiratory distress in a neonate

Abstract

Maternal blood aspiration is an unusual cause of respiratory distress in neonates. It is occasionally seen in babies born to mothers with antepartum haemorrhage (APH). We report a term neonate with a history of maternal APH who developed respiratory distress soon after birth with a radiological appearance compatible with aspiration syndrome. The infant required ventilation for 36 hours. The aspirated blood was the mother's.

Multiple Organ Dysfunction Following Aspiration of Maternal Blood

“…The early onset of respiratory distress, which lasted less than a week seen in our case is similar to other reported cases of respiratory distress following maternal blood aspiration. [2,[8][9][10] Our findings add to that of Saia et al, who reported a case of a newborn with MOD consisting of respiratory failure, hyperbilirubinemia, and renal dysfunction. [8] Intrauterine distress can be associated with fetal gasping and aspiration of maternal blood, and with hypoxemic injury to other organs.…”