Risk factors and management of meconium aspiration syndrome

Abstract

Meconium aspiration syndrome (MAS) is an important factor for morbidity and mortality among term newborns. An incidence over 12% of MAS remains to be a serious problem. Aspiration of meconium stained amniotic fluid (MSAF) during antepartum or intrapartum period causes respiratory distress, hypoxia, acidosis and need of oxygen or respiratory support by ventilation. Although ventilation is the first choice for treatment of severe MAS, there are other supportive management such as surfactant, inhaled nitric oxide, and high-frequency ventilation (HFV) leading to decreased use of extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO). The present study highlights the complex pathophysiology and adequate approach for treatment of MAS.