The signs and symptoms of meconium aspiration syndrome stem from the introduction of meconium into the respiratory tree [1] [2] [3] [4]. It is well known that intrauterine hypoxia (which can occur due to numerous disorders and events, examples being placental insufficiency, preeclampsia, maternal abuse of tobacco and drugs, as well as oligohydramnios) is the main facilitator for the induction of meconium passage [1]. Under physiological circumstances, the meconium (composed of gastrointestinal content, bile acids, pancreatic juice, blood, lanugo, and cellular debris) is a sterile mix of substances before the fetus is expelled from the uterus [1] [5]. In approximately 1 in 7 births, the amniotic fluid is stained with meconium, but it is still not understood why only 5-9% of neonates exposed to a meconium-stained amniotic fluid (MSAF) develop meconium aspiration syndrome [1] [3]. As meconium invades the lungs, neonates suffer from decreased lung compliance, eventually leading to hypoxia and tachypnea [1] [2] [3] [5]. Grunting is a particularly important sign that should immediately raise suspicion toward respiratory distress [6]. In fact, supplemental oxygen is almost always necessary to sustain adequate oxygen saturation in patients with MAS [5].

• Gastric Lavage

  INTERVENTION: Gastric lavage in the labor room with normal saline at 10 mL per kg body weight (n 350) or no gastric lavage (n 350). Meconiumcrit was measured and expressed as 30% and 30%. [ncbi.nlm.nih.gov]

  Role of gastric lavage in vigorous neonates born with meconium stained amniotic fluid. Indian J Pediatr. 2013;80:195–8. CrossRef PubMed Google Scholar 27. Deshmukh M, Balasubramanian H, Rao S, Patole S. [doi.org]

• Fever of Unknown Origin

  Pregnancy induced hypertension in 3, fetal decelaration in 4, chorioamnionitis in 3, premature rupture of membranes in 3 maternal drug use in 6, sickle-cell disease in 4, fever of unknown origin in 3, and presence of prolapsed cord in 3. [doi.org]

• Camping

  Non-selective PDE inhibitors, such as methylxanthines, increase concentrations of cAMP and cGMP in the cells leading to bronchodilation and vasodilation. [en.wikipedia.org]

• Barrel Chest

  Examiners will check the baby for the following signs and symptoms that suggest MAS: Rapid breathing Barrel-chest Low Apgar score (Appearance, Pulse, Grimace, Activity, and Respiration) Cyanosis (blue color of skin) MAS can be confirmed with several tests [study.com]

• Skin Atrophy

  Other issues can arise, such as aggravation of diabetes mellitus, osteoporosis, skin atrophy and growth retardation in children. [en.wikipedia.org]

• Angioedema

  Hydrocortisone is a synthetic equivalent of cortisol and used as an immunosuppressive drug in severe allergic reactions such as anaphylaxis and angioedema. [doi.org]

• Macrocephaly

  The reported high morbidity among the long-time survivors, Macrocephaly developed in 24% of the ECMO group. [doi.org]

The diagnosis of meconium aspiration syndrome can be life-threatening without early treatment [2], which is why an immediate postnatal clinical assessment is of critical importance. Evaluation of neonates through Apgar scoring is one of the most important steps when it comes to this condition, followed by determination of oxygen saturation, particularly if signs of hypoxia are present. Meconium aspiration syndrome is much more likely to develop if a thick meconium present, if fetal distress is observed, or if the Apgar score is < 7 in the first 5 minutes after birth [6]. For this reason, many authors advise that all neonates who are exposed to MSAF should be monitored for the first 24 hours in case respiratory distress develops [1]. Additional steps that may be useful are imaging studies and arterial blood gas (ABG) analysis [1]. Plain radiography can show overexpansion of the lungs with patchy infiltrates, whereas consolidation, atelectasis, and coalescing B-lines are typical signs observed on ultrasonography [1] [4]. The convenient real-time imaging provided by the latter technique can be rapidly employed yielding reliable results, with no exposure of the patient to radiation. Ultrasonography is considered superior to X-rays, and should be performed whenever clinical suspicion of meconium aspiration syndrome exists [4].

• Pulmonary Infiltrate

  Pulmonary infiltrates in patients receiving long-term glucocorticoid treatment: etiology, prognostic factors, and associated inflammatory response. Chest 2003; 123(2): 488–98 PubMed Google Scholar 217. Porges AJ, Beattie SL, Ritchlin C, et al. [doi.org]

• Ischemic Changes

  The presence of meconium in the amniotic fluid may cause ischemic changes of the lungs, umbilical cord and placenta [ 7 ]. [doi.org]

1. Swarnam K, Soraisham AS, Sivanandan S. Advances in the Management of Meconium Aspiration Syndrome. Int J Pediatr. 2012;2012:359571.
2. Dargaville PA. Respiratory Support in Meconium Aspiration Syndrome: A Practical Guide. Int J Pediatr. 2012;2012:965159.
3. Lee J, Romero R, Lee KA, et al. Meconium aspiration syndrome: a role for fetal systemic inflammation. Am J Obstet Gynecol. 2016;214(3):366.e1-9.
4. Piastra M, Yousef N, Brat R, Manzoni P, Mokhtari M, De Luca D. Lung ultrasound findings in meconium aspiration syndrome. Early Hum Dev. 2014;90 Suppl 2:S41-43.
5. Lindenskov PH, Castellheim A, Saugstad OD, Mollnes TE. Meconium aspiration syndrome: possible pathophysiological mechanisms and future potential therapies. Neonatology. 2015;107(3):225-2s30.
6. Liu WF, Harrington T. Delivery room risk factors for meconium aspiration syndrome. Am J Perinatol. 2002;19(7):367-378.