Etiological Factors, Clinical Profile and Outcome of Meconium Aspiration Syndrome in Newborn

Introduction The history of the word ‘ meconium' holds interest for all of us involved in perinatal care. Meconium is the dark greenish brown material excreted in utero, usually from a full term fetus. Fetal hypoxic distress causes neural stimulation of the mature gastrointestinal tract, which is caused by vagal stimulation from head or cord compression; resulting in peristalsis of the gut and relaxation of anal sphincter. Meconiumstained fluid consists of lanugo, mucus, intestinal epithelial cells, intestinal secretions (eg, bile) and is usually innocuous. Meconium has 3 main effects on infants, it  Directly alters amniotic fluid by reducing its antibacterial activity, increasing the risk of perinatal bacterial infection, chiefly with Escherichia coli.  It irritates fetal skin, causing an increased incidence of erythema toxicum.  Causes MAS  The aspiration of meconium causes hypoxia in the neonate by three mechanisms that produce ventilation perfusion mismatch:  Airway obstruction  Surfactant dysfunction  Chemical pnemonitis.