Question

what is meconium aspiration syndrome?
b. what is the complications for the infant?
c. how is meconium aspiration syndrome treated?

Answer 1

Meconium aspiration syndrome (MAS) refers to the respiratory distress in an infant born through Meconium stained amniotic fluid whose symptoms cannot be otherwise explained. Thick and viscous meconium leads to complete or partial airway obstruction.

This aspiration induces hypoxia via four major pulmonary effects: airway obstruction, surfactant dysfunction, chemical pneumonitis, and pulmonary hypertension.

b. Complication of  meconium aspiration syndrome:

• Rapid breathing.
• Barrel-chest.
• Low Apgar score (Appearance, Pulse, Grimace, Activity, and Respiration)
• Cyanosis (blue color of skin)

c. Treament:

• increase oxygenation while minimizing barotrauma.
• prevent pulmonary hypertension
• O2 hood
• mechanical ventilation
• surfactant therapy
• inhaled nitric oxide