Factors Leading to Meconium Aspiration Syndrome in Neonates

Background: To determine the factors leading to meconium aspiration syndrome in neonates Methods: In this descriptive study 100 neonates, with complaint of meconium staining of body, vocal cords and / or respiratory distress, whether delivered at home or at hospital, were included. Babies were first diagnosed as a case of meconium aspiration syndrome by meconium staining of body and vocal cords, and / or tachypnea and respiratory distress. They were examined for crepitations in chest on auscultation. Chest X-rays were done of all patients to see infiltrates and hyperinflation. Results: The most frequent factor was birth asphyxia which was predicted by poor APGAR score (40% cases). The other factor was post term pregnancy(30%).  Males constituted 58%and 42% were females. One patient (1%) case was preterm and IUGR. While 30% cases were post-term and 69% cases were born by appropriate age.  60% cases were delivered by spontaneous vaginal delivery.  Commonest complications observed were  pneumothorax (15%) and sepsis. Chest X-Ray findings  showed infiltrates and hyper expansion in 50% cases. Conclusion: Factors which lead to meconium aspiration syndrome are birth asphyxia, post term pregnancy, maternal diseases, prolong labour and IUG