Meconium Aspiration Syndrome: The Role of Resuscitation and Tracheal Suction in Prevention

We reviewed our experience of meconium staining of liquor and meconium aspiration syndrome over a 33 month period. The clinical and radiological severity of disease was assessed in comparison with tracheal suction and resuscitation. Sixty (27%) of newborns with meconium stained liquor subsequently developed MAS. No association was found between the thickness of meconium or its presence on tracheal aspiration with subsequent severity of respiratory disease. However, the presence of meconium in the trachea was strongly associated with radiological abnormality. The severity of meconium aspiration syndrome and mortality were also related to the clinical stability of the infants at presentation. Our results indicate that intrauterine aspiration and pulmonary maladaptation may play a significant role in meconium aspiration syndrome rather than resuscitative events at delivery.