meconium aspiration

Question 1

presentation

Answer 1

obvious presence of dark green staining if amniotic fluid
green/blue stained skin at birth
baby appear limp with low Apgar score
breathing rapid, laboured or absent
signs of postmaturity eg peeling skin
bradycardia

Question 2

Apgar score

Answer 2

measure of physical condition of the newborn
heart rate
resp effort
muscle tone
response to stimulation
skin colouration
ten = best possible condition

Question 3

meconium aspiration syndrome MAS

Answer 3

occurs when neonates inhale meconium
usually secondary to fetal hypoxia, which causes increased peristalsis, relaxation of the anal sphincters and reflex gasping
meconium stained fluid may be aspirated before or during labour and delivery (no meconium in <34 weeks gestation)
causes an inflammatory response and a corresponding decrease in lung function
typically resolves within the first 6hrs