What are the characteristics of meconium aspiration syndrome?

Signs of meconium aspiration syndrome include tachypnea, nasal flaring, retractions, cyanosis or desaturation, rales, rhonchi, and greenish yellow staining of the umbilical cord, nail beds, or skin. Meconium staining may be visible in the oropharynx and (on intubation) in the larynx and trachea.

What are the signs and symptoms of meconium aspiration syndrome?

Symptoms

• Bluish skin color in the infant.
• Breathing problems.
• Dark, greenish staining or streaking of the amniotic fluid or the obvious presence of meconium in the amniotic fluid.
• Limpness in infant at birth.

What does significant meconium mean?

It is considered significant if dark green or black, with a thick, tenacious appearance. Components of the meconium, especially the bile salts and enzymes, can cause serious complications if they are inhaled by the fetus at any stage of labour.

What is meconium staining an indication of?

Presence of meconium stained amniotic fluid is seen in 12-16 % of deliveries [1]. In utero, passage of meconium may simply represent the normal gastrointestinal maturation or it may indicate an acute or chronic hypoxic event, thereby making it a warning sign of a foetal compromise.

What is the treatment for meconium aspiration?

How Is Meconium Aspiration Syndrome Treated? Most babies with MAS get medical care in a special care nursery or neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) and get oxygen, if needed. A baby who gets extra oxygen but still struggles to breathe will get help from a breathing machine (ventilator).

How long does meconium aspiration syndrome take to heal?

Babies may need extra support with breathing and nutrition in some cases. This need will often go away in 2 to 4 days. However, rapid breathing may continue for several days.

How long does it take to recover from meconium aspiration?

In mild cases of meconium aspiration, the doctor to may want to apply oxygen for 48 to 72 hours. Your infant can potentially recover within 3 to 5 days. Note, however, that the doctor may want the infant on antibiotics for approximately 7 days if there are signs of infection.

How is meconium aspiration treated?

How is MAS treated?

1. oxygen therapy to make sure there is enough oxygen in the blood.
2. the use of a radiant warmer to help your baby maintain body temperature.
3. antibiotics such as ampicillin and gentamicin to prevent or treat an infection.
4. the use of a ventilator (a breathing machine) to help your infant breathe.

How dangerous is meconium aspiration?

If the meconium is inhaled into the lungs (meconium aspiration syndrome or MAS) it has the potential to be dangerous of even fatal to newborns. Meconium aspiration syndrome (MAS) is a very rare complication. If the meconium enters the lungs it can cause an obstruction in the airways, resulting in breathing problems.

What does meconium aspiration syndrome mean?

Meconium aspiration syndrome (MAS) also known as neonatal aspiration of meconium is a medical condition affecting newborn infants . It describes the spectrum of disorders and pathophysiology of newborns born in meconium-stained amniotic fluid (MSAF) and have meconium within their lungs.

How does Meconium Aspiration Impact the baby?

When the baby inhales first breath, bits of meconium can enter the airway and be inhaled deep into the lungs. Meconium may then adhere to the air sacs, making it hard for your baby to breathe. It may also trap air in baby’s lungs. One possible complication of Meconium Aspiration is contracting an infection, which leads to pneumonia.

What is the abbreviation for meconium aspiration syndrome?

MAS stands for Meconium Aspiration Syndrome. MAS. stands for. Meconium Aspiration Syndrome. Popular lists for the abbreviation: medical technology meconium aspiration syndrome. COPD Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease. MI Meconium Ileus. BSS Brown-Sequard syndrome.