Meconium Aspiration Syndrome in Meconium Stained Babies

Abstract

Abstract

Objective:  To find out frequency of meconium aspi-ration syndrome in meconium stained babies. To find out association of certain risk factors with develop-ment of MAS.

Method:  This was a cross sectional study. All term neonates delivered through meconium stained amni-otic fluid during the study period of six months, in Holy Family Hospital were included in the study by non-probability convenient sampling. They were ad-mitted in neonatal unit and were observed for the development of MAS. Risk factors that were studied, included maternal parity, prolonged rupture of memb-ranes more than 16 hours, mode of delivery, fetal dis-tress, weight of the babies, meconium stained vocal cords and APGAR score of less than 7 at 5 minutes.

Results:  One hundred twenty six babies were inclu-ded in the study. Out of these, 10 (7.9%) developed MAS and 2 (20%) out of 10 babies of MAS died while rests were discharged after treatment.

Conclusion:  7.9% meconium stained babies develo-ped MAS with 20% mortality. Important risk factors associated with development of MAS were found to be delivery through cesarean section, fetal distress, meco-nium stained vocal cords and low APGAR score at 5 minutes.