Meconium aspiration

Question 1

What percentage of neonates are covered in meconium and what percentage of these develop meconium aspiration syndrome?

Answer 1

12 - 22% of deliveries have meconium stained liquor

5% of these will develop meconium aspiration syndrome

Question 2

What % of infants with meconium aspiration will require mechanical ventilation and what is the mortality associated with this

Answer 2

30% will require mechanical ventilation

The mortality of mechanical ventilation is required is 3 - 5%

Question 3

What are the significant predictors (risk factors) for meconium aspiration?

Answer 3

1. Thick meconium
2. Post-term pregnancy
3. IUGR

New theories postulate that infant condition at delivery does not predict passage of meconium as 60% of infants with meconium stained liquor have a normal ABG

Question 4

What is the usual outcome for patients who do not need mechanical ventilation

Answer 4

Most infants have improvement in symptoms in 72 hours

Question 5

What are the complications of meconium aspiration syndrome

Answer 5

Respiratory failure
Pneumothorax
Pneumomediastinum
Persistant pulmonary hypertension of the newborn (PPHN)