Factors associated with mortality in newborn infants with meconium aspiration syndrome

Meconium aspiration syndrome (MAS) is still one of the common causes of morbidity and mortality in neonatal period. A retrospective study was conducted from January 1993 to December 1999, to identify factors associated with mortality in MAS. Univariate analysis disclosed that preeclampsia/eclampsia, sex, Apgar scores, consistency of meconium, and use of mechanical ventilation were significantly associated with mortality in MAS, while gestational age, mode of delivery, hypertension, birth weight, tracheal suctioning, blood cultures, and complications were not. Logistic regression analysis showed that mode of delivery, preeclampsia/eclampsia, Apgar scores, consistency of meconium, and use of mechanical ventilation were associated with mortality in MAS, while other variables were not