Meconium aspiration syndrome Flashcards
What is meconium a sign of?
Fetal distress and hypoxia
What happens when a new born aspirates meconium into the lungs prior or during birth?
It can lead to respiratory distress, otherwise known as “Meconium aspiration syndrome”.
What clinical signs indicate meconium aspiration syndrome?
Presence of meconium stained liquor during rupture of membranes or at birth
Green staining of the infant’s skin, nail beds or umbilical cord
Signs of respiratory distress in the new born
Limp infant or low APGAR score
Crackles on auscultation of the foetal lungs
How would the meconium stained liquor appear?
Greenish or yellowish appearance of the amniotic fluid
What are signs of respiratory distress in the new born?
Increased respiratory rate Grunting Cyanosis Noisy breathing Use of accessory muscles
What might you find on auscultation in a new born with Meconium aspiation syndrome?
Crackles in the lungs
What is a major risk factor for Meconium aspiration syndrome?
Post-term baby
What else can increase the risk of meconium aspiration syndrome?
Problems during pregnancy: Pre-eclampsia Hypertension Chorioamnionitis Substance abuse
What is the initial management of meconium aspiration syndrome?
Gentle suctioning of the mouth and nose to remove any visible residual meconium.
What is the management to reduce the risk of infection?
Antibiotics
What is the management after giving the baby antibiotics?
Transfer to a Neonatal Intensive Care Unit for oxygen administration and careful monitoring.
What is the management in severe cases of meconium aspiration syndrome?
Artificial ventilation may be required.
What is meconium?
Sticky, dark-green substance that the baby passes as the first stool
When is meconium usually passed?
Within 48 hours of birth
What are the 3 main features of meconium aspiration syndrome?
Affect post-term babies
Signs of respiratory distress — e.g. nasal flaring, expiratory grunting, tachypnoea
Hypoxia
