Meconium aspiration syndrome-significant problem in the NICU

Abstract

Background: The aim of this study was to evaluate and describe the course of perinatal and postnatal factors in neonates with meconium aspiration syndrome (MAS) to determine the risk factors for the degree of disease and to determine the correlation on duration of mechanical ventilation, NICU stay and duration of antibiotic treatement.. Methods: According the gestational age and severity of condition, respiratory distress and hypoxia of the infants we included 32 infants divided into two groups: first preterm group of gestational age < 37 weeks, and second group term infants of gestational age > 37 weeks. The correlation between gestational age and need of conventional mecanical ventilation, duration of NICU stay and duration of antibiotic therapy was monitored. Results: In this study were included 32/185 infants admissioned at our tertiary care department from 2015 to 2017 with clinical symptoms of tachypnea, respiratory distress and hypoxia. In both groups, we confirmed the correlation between gestational age and duration of MV, NICU stay, more emphasized in the second group In the first group duration of mechanical ventilation was ( 7,25 days, p < 0,01 ), duration of NICU stay ( 9,5 days, p < 0,01). In the second group duration of mechanical ventilation was ( 9,4 days, p < 0,01 ), duration of NICU stay ( 10,3 days, p < 0,01). Use of antibiotic therapy did not result in significant reduction in the risk of mortality, sepsis or duration of hospital stay in both groups ( 10,3 days, p = 0,1; 10,7 days, p = 0,1). Conclusion: Meconium aspiration syndrome (MAS) is a common cause of respiratory failure in neonates. Despite improvement in obstetrical and neonatal care, MAS continues to be a neonatal disorder with high morbidity and mortality.