TITLE:
Frequency and Outcome of Meconium Aspiration Syndrome in Babies Born with Meconium-Stained Liquor at Secondary Care Hospital in Pakistan: A Case Series Study
AUTHORS:
Abdul Moeed, Heeramani Lohana, Sarwat Urooj, Sheraz Ahmed, Khalil Ahmed, Khadija Humayun
KEYWORDS:
Meconium Aspiration Syndrome, Mortality, Neonates, Outcome
JOURNAL NAME:
Open Journal of Pediatrics,
Vol.10 No.3,
July
8,
2020
ABSTRACT: Background: Meconium aspiration syndrome (MAS) in the newborn is characterized by
hypoxia, hypercapnia, and acidosis. MAS is a leading cause of morbidity and
mortality in neonates. The primary objective of this study was to estimate the
frequency of meconium aspiration syndrome (MAP) in babies born with
meconium-stained liquor. The secondary outcome was to estimate the meconium
aspiration syndrome; in terms of hospital stay, complications, and mortality. Methods: The study was done at Aga Khan Maternal and Child Care Centre, Hyderabad,
Pakistan. Study design was case series and the duration of the study was of 6 months.
All patients who fulfilled the inclusion criteria were included in the study
after taking informed written consent. A brief history was taken, clinical
examination was done and laboratory investigations were sent to the
institutional laboratory. Study outcomes were measured from this data i.e.
MAS, its complications, mortality, and a number of days in the hospital. Results: A total of 87 babies born
with meconium-stained liquor at secondary care hospital were included. A total
of 45 patients (52%) were males and 42 patients (48%) were females with a mean
gestational age of babies 38.896 ± 1.210
weeks. The mean Apgar score at 5 minutes was 8.896 ± 0.404. MAS was present in 13 patients
(14.9%). Complications were seen only one
patient (1.1%) and there was no neonatal death reported. Discussion: MAS was present in 14.9% of babies; the complication of subacute bacterial
infection was low seen in just 1.1% cases with no neonatal mortality.