Meconium Aspiration Syndrome Research Paper

Distress in Newborn: It is important to understand that illness in the newborns often manifest as respiratory distress. All infants in respiratory distress should be stabilized as quickly as possible, obtaining radiographic/labs/microbiology tests and results must not delay treatment. Most common newborn diseases that present with respiratory distress are following:
Meconium Aspiration Syndrome: MAS consists of delivery through meconium stained amniotic fluid with respiratory distress. Neonates when delivered, the large intrathoracic pressure that accompanies the first inspiration brings meconium from oropharynx and trachea into the lungs. The respiratory distress caused by MAS presents within 12 hr of birth with progressive tachypnea, flaring, grunting, and on chest examination; “barrel” chest. Areas of patchy atelectasis and air trapping are seen on x-ray.
About 5% of the neonates born with meconium stained amniotic fluid develop MAS. MAS ranges from mild to severe. The mild cases might just need supplemental oxygen. Severe …show more content…
It results from delayed clearance of fetal lung fluid. It occurs in both termed and pre-termed infants. However, it is more common in infants delivered via C-section (especially if delivery takes place before the onset of labor). The reason it is more common in infants delivered through C-section is because, the fluid in the lungs that is resorbed during labor doesn’t happen. Infants present shortly after birth with tachypnea and occasionally grunting and nasal flaring. The respiratory distress is generally short lived, resolving in hours to few days with no major complications. Studies can be done but generally TTN is a diagnosis of exclusion. On an X-ray, prominent perihilar streaking, increased interstitial markings and fluid in the interlobar fissures is seen. The management is mostly dictated by the severity of presentation. Mild affected nenonates need