MECONIUM ASPIRATION SYNDROME , RISK FACTORS

Abstract

Background and Objective : The presence of meconium  in the amniotic fluid is regard as abnormal and both the obstetrician and pediatrician must be alerted to possible fetal or neonatal complication and presence of meconium in trachea may lead to  meconium aspiration syndrome  ( MAS) . Method : A prospective study was conducted on 155 symptomatic meconium aspiration babies. The information of studay depend on clinical observation at intensive neonatal care unit and delivery room notes. Results : Meconium stained amniotic fluid ( MSAF) is found in (4.8%) of total deliveries and usually in term (78%) , posterm (16%)  and (6 % ) preterm . The incidence of MAS among meconium stained (18.4 %) . Birth asphyxia, maternal toxaemia and breech presentation were significant risk factors for severity of MAS and not only risk factors for  MAS. Most of babies had low apgar score at one minute, and thick meconium was associated with lower apgar score and C.S added more to the problem. Male affacted little more than female and immediate oropharynx suction was very valuable in reducing mortality rate ( M.R)  from 14% to 6 % . (9) babies of  MAS died ( 5.8%) because of recurrent seizure , respiratory failure and asphyxia. Conclusions: MAS is still a great problem in our locality causing a lot of morbidity and mortality. Immediate intervention and oropharynx suction was very beneficial in reducing M.R.