User:Mr. Ibrahem/Meconium aspiration syndrome

Meconium aspiration syndrome (MAS), also known as neonatal aspiration of meconium, is when meconium-containing amniotic fluid enters a newborns lungs around delivery. Symptoms may include breathing problems such as fast breathing, nasal flaring, and low oxygen. The skin may also be greenish if meconium exposure was longer term. Complications may include persistent pulmonary hypertension of the newborn (PPHN), developmental delay, or hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy (HIE).

In about 10% of cases babies pass meconium before delivery. Risk factors include fetal distress, postterm pregnancy, and emergency cesarean section. If this is subsequently breathed into the lungs it may result in inflammation of the lungs and blockage of airways. Diagnosis is based on symptoms and a chest X-ray.

Treatment mainly involves oxygen therapy and non-invasive ventilation. Surfactant therapy may be used in severe cases. Efforts to treat PPHN may include epinephrine, prostaglandin E1, hydrocortisone, and inhaled nitric oxide (iNO). ECMO may be an option in certain cases. While outcomes may be good, death may also occur.

Meconium aspiration syndrome affects about 1% of babies. The risk of death with high quality care is about 1%; though has historically been as high as 40%. The word "meconium" is from the Greek "mēkōnion" meaning "juice from the opium poppy" due to its appearance and sedating effects seen by Aristotle on the baby.