The evolution of approach in the resuscitation of neonates born with meconium-stained amniotic fluid: a tale of two countries, China and U.S.A., in the past 60 years / 中国当代儿科杂志

Neonates born through meconium-stained amniotic fluid (MSAF) may develop complications including meconium aspiration syndrome, persistent pulmonary hypertension of newborn and death. The approach to the resuscitation of these neonates has significantly evolved for the past few decades. Initially, under direct visualization technique, neonates with MSAF were commonly suctioned below the vocal cords soon after delivery. Since 2015, Neonatal Resuscitation Program (NRP®) of the American Academy of Pediatrics has recommended against "routine" endotracheal suctioning of non-vigorous neonates with MSAF but favored immediate resuscitation with positive pressure ventilation via face-mask bagging. However, the China neonatal resuscitation 2021 guidelines continue to recommend routine endotracheal suctioning of non-vigorous neonates born with MSAF at birth. This review article discusses the differences and the rationales in the approach in the resuscitation of neonates with MSAF between Chinese and American NRP® guidelines over the past 60 years.

Neonatal leukemoid reaction: clinical analysis of 36 cases / 中国新生儿科杂志

Objective:To study the clinical characteristics of neonatal leukemoid reaction (NLR).Methods:The newborns with NLR admitted to the neonatal intensive care unit of the Seventh Medical Center of PLA General Hospital from September 2010 to January 2022 were selected as the observation group, and the newborns without NLR, who were admitted to the Hospital at the same time and matched with gestational age and birth weight of the NLR newborns were selected as the control group at a ratio of 1∶2. The gestational age, birth weight, maternal complications, maximum leukocyte count, percentage of neutrophils, C-reactive protein, hemoglobin, platelet count, disease diagnosis and other relevant information of the newborns were recorded, and SPSS 21.0 statistical software was applied to compare the data of the two groups of newborns.Results:A total of 36 cases were in the observation group and 72 cases in the control group. Naive granulocytes were found in the peripheral blood of all patients in the observation group, and leukocyte count was higher than that of the control group [61.7 (54.2, 90.6)×10 9/L vs. 19.6 (14.2,27.3)×10 9/L], the difference was statistically significant ( P<0.001), but there was no statistically significant difference in the percentage of neutrophils, hemoglobin, platelets, and C-reactive protein between the two groups ( P>0.05). The proportion of vaginal delivery, meconium-stained amniotic fluid, and neonatal sepsis in the observation group were higher than that in the control group [69.4% (25/36) vs. 38.9% (28/72), 19.4% (7/36) vs. 5.6% (4/72), 47.2% (17/36) vs. 8.3% (6/72)], and the proportion of gestational diabetes mellitus, gestational hypertension and prenatal use of glucocorticoid was lower than that in the control group, with statistical significance ( P<0.05). There was no significant difference in the incidence of premature rupture of membranes, neonatal asphyxia, intracranial hemorrhage, pulmonary hemorrhage, bacterial meningitis, and bronchopulmonary dysplasia between the two groups ( P>0.05). Conclusions:Newborns with NLR are frequently complicated with sepsis. Early prevention and treatment of maternal comorbidities and active control of infection are important for the prevention and treatment of NLR.

Correlation between meconium-stained amniotic fluid and intrauterine infection / 中华实用儿科临床杂志

Fetal hypoxia has long been described as the main cause of meconium-stained amniotic fluid (MSAF). However, recent studies have reported the presence of a variety of pathogenic microorganisms in meconium and amniotic fluid, and even more bacterial species in MSAF.Clinical observations also revealed that MSAF was closely related to fetal-neonatal infection and perinatal infection of pregnant women.Shortly after birth, the fetuses with MSAF developed infectious symptoms or showed abnormalities in infection-related laboratory indicators.Therefore, intrauterine infection may be one major cause of MSAF.To further our understanding of the factors leading to MSAF will improve the clinical management and prognosis of infants.

Clinical features of severe meconium aspiration syndrome (MAS) and early predicting factors for severe MAS in neonates with meconium-stained amniotic fluid / 中国当代儿科杂志

OBJECTIVES@#To study the clinical features of severe meconium aspiration syndrome (MAS) and early predicting factors for the development of severe MAS in neonates with meconium-stained amniotic fluid (MSAF).@*METHODS@#A total of 295 neonates who were hospitalized due to Ⅲ° MSAF from January 2018 to December 2019 were enrolled as subjects. The neonates were classified to a non-MAS group (n=199), a mild/moderate MAS group (n=77), and a severe MAS group (n=19). A retrospective analysis was performed for general clinical data, blood gas parameters, infection indicators, and perinatal clinical data of the mother. The respiratory support regimens after birth were compared among the three groups. The receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve and multivariate logistic regression analysis were used to investigate predicting factors for the development of severe MAS in neonates with MSAF.@*RESULTS@#Among the 295 neonates with MSAF, 32.5% (96/295) experienced MAS, among whom 20% (19/96) had severe MAS. Compared with the mild/moderate MAS group and the non-MAS group, the severe MAS group had a significantly lower 5-minute Apgar score (P<0.05) and a significantly higher blood lactate level in the umbilical artery (P<0.05). Compared with the non-MAS group, the severe MAS group had a significantly higher level of interleukin-6 (IL-6) in peripheral blood at 1 hour after birth (P<0.017). In the severe MAS group, 79% (15/19) of the neonates were born inactive, among whom 13 underwent meconium suctioning, and 100% of the neonates started to receive mechanical ventilation within 24 hours. Peripheral blood IL-6 >39.02 pg/mL and white blood cell count (WBC) >30.345×109/L at 1 hour after birth were early predicting indicators for severe MAS in neonates with MSAF (P<0.05).@*CONCLUSIONS@#Meconium suctioning cannot completely prevent the onset of severe MAS in neonates with MSAF. The neonates with severe MAS may develop severe respiratory distress and require mechanical ventilation early after birth. Close monitoring of blood lactate in the umbilical artery and peripheral blood IL-6 and WBC at 1 hour after birth may help with early prediction of the development and severity of MAS.

Role of Non-stress Test in Antenatal Fetal Assessment in High-risk Pregnancy in Comparison with Normal Pregnancy

Background and Objectives: Non-stress test (NST) is one of the most widely used primary tests for the assessment of fetal well-being. It is a graphical recording of fetal heart activity and uterine contractions simultaneously and continuously when uterus is quiescent with fetal movements. It has been incorporated into biophysical profile system. It is simple, inexpensive, non-invasive, easily performed, and interpreted. Hence, it can be used to screen a large population as an outpatient department procedure. This study was done to observe the efficacy and diagnostic value of NST for antenatal surveillance and comparison of test results with mode of delivery and adverse perinatal outcome. Materials and Methods: A total of 100 high-risk (HR) pregnant women (study group – selected based on inclusion and exclusion criteria) and 100 low-risk (LR) pregnant women (control group) were randomly enrolled into study and followed up with NST from 32 weeks of gestation and repeated at appropriate intervals in cases of the HR group. Results: In the LR group, there was an increased incidence of intrapartum fetal death (IPFD), meconium-stained amniotic fluid (MSAF), and decreased liquor quantity in non-reactive (NR) subgroup compared to reactive NST (R-NST) subgroup. However, in the HR group, NR-NST was associated with significantly increased incidence of decreased liquor quantity, low Apgar score at 5 min of birth, and perinatal mortality compared to the R-NST subgroup. Although the statistical incidence of IPFD was not significant in the NR-NST subgroup compared to R-NST, it appeared clinically significant. MSAF incidence was not significant in these two NST result subgroups. Sensitivity, specificity, and negative predictive value of NST in the LR group were 100%, 81.8%, and 100%, respectively; likewise, in the HR group, they are 75%, 78.1%, and 98.7%, respectively, for perinatal mortality. Conclusion: NST is a valuable screening test for detecting fetal compromise in both HR and LR fetuses that may have a poor perinatal outcome. Predictive value of NST for perinatal mortality was higher in the LR group compared to the HR group though statistically was not significant.

Correlation between umbilical cord blood pH and meconium stained deliveries

Background: Among all live births approximately 13% neonates are born through meconium-stained amniotic fluid and out of these 5-10% developed MAS, which increases neonatal morbidity and mortality. The incidence increases as the gestational age advances with reported frequencies at 37, 40, and >42 weeks being 3%, 13%, and 18% respectively. Although there is a significant decrease in the occurrence of MAS and associated mortality in developed countries, MAS remains a major problem in developing countries. The objective was to study the correlation between umbilical cord blood PH and Meconium stained amniotic fluid.Methods: Observational study done in KIMS hospital Bangalore, Karnataka, India in a study period of 18 months on a sample size of 100. Within 30 sec of delivery a segment of umbilical cord was clamped at both ends. Cord blood was collected in heparinised syringe. It was then transported with cold ice packs and blood pH, pCO2, pO2 were measured.Results: In present study population, among those with MSAF, 72% had acidemia and 28% did not have acidemia. The mean (SD) of pH in the group with MSAF was 7.16 (0.10). The median (IQR) of pH in the group with MSAF was 7.14 (0.12). There was no significant difference between the groups (those with MSAF and those without MSAF but other risk factors) in terms of pH (W = 867.500, p = 0.580).Conclusions: The presence of acidosis in the umbilical cord blood, used as a biochemical marker for perinatal asphyxia can be used to evaluate the significance of intrauterine passage of meconium. But a normal acid-base status at delivery present in many cases of MSAF, suggests that either a pre-existing injury or a non-hypoxic mechanism is often involved. MSAF is not always secondary to an acute hypoxic event.

Comparative analysis of maternal and fetal outcome in meconium stained amniotic fluid and clear liquor in primigravida

Background: The present study was undertaken to evaluate the significance of MSAF and its fetal outcome in parturients.Methods: A total of 121 pregnant women who had completed more than 37 weeks of gestation with live singleton pregnancy, spontaneous onset of labor and at term with adequate pelvis were included in the study. All (121) low risk primigravida with MSAF were studied to identify maternal and fetal outcome and compared with equal number of cases with clear amniotic fluid. Meconium stained cases were clinically classified into two groups- thin (54 cases) and thick (67 cases). MSAF on spontaneous or artificial rupture of membranes were monitored with fetal heart rate abnormality, 1- and 5-minutes Apgar score, NICU admissions and neonatal complications as outcome variables.Results: Overall incidence of meconium staining of AF during labour was 7.71%. The common fetal heart rate abnormalities i.e. bradycardia was seen in 36% in MSG. Apgar score of less than 7 was observed in MSG at 5 minutes in 5% of cases, in thick group. Major neonatal complication was birth asphyxia in MSG (18.18%) that was more in thick MSG (14.87%). MAS were observed in 6 cases in thick and 4 cases in thin meconium stained cases. NICU care was required in 18% cases in MSG and in control group it was required in 7% cases. Neonatal morbidity was more in newborn with thick meconium group (52%) compared to thin meconium group (20%).Conclusions: The present study confirmed that meconium staining of amniotic fluid adversely influences the fetal outcome.

A study of maternal risk factors and the perinatal outcome in meconium stained amniotic fluid in central referral hospital

Background: Meconium staining of amniotic fluid (MSAF) is a significant risk factor for the subsequent development of meconium aspiration syndrome (MAS), respiratory distress and eventual respiratory failure in neonates. To learn more about the risk factors and outcomes associated with MSAF, a prospective case control study was conducted. The objective of the study was to study various maternal risk factors associated with MSAF and to study the outcome of neonates born through MASF and to compare the perinatal outcome in patients with thick and thin meconium stained amniotic fluid.Methods: A hospital based prospective case control study was conducted comparing pregnant women with meconium stained (cases) amniotic fluid with pregnant women having clear liquor (control), 200 in each arm. Singleton pregnancies complicated with MASF were included in the cases group on the basis of predefined inclusion criteria. Various risk factors, mode of delivery, outcome of neonates and perinatal outcome in babies born through thick and thin meconium stained amniotic fluid was studied.Results: Out of 200 patients who had MSAF 114 patients (57%) had thick meconium stained liquor while remaining 86 patients (43.00%) had thin meconium stained amniotic fluid. Post-maturity, pregnancy induced hypertension; oligohydramnios and prolonged labor were found to be statistically significant risk factors for MSAF. Nonreactive non-stress test and Need for cesarean section was more common in women with MSAF as compared to women with clear liquor (p <0.05). Common morbidities in neonates were Birth asphyxia (15%) followed by meconium aspiration syndrome (10%) and hypoxic ischemic encephalopathy (15%).Conclusions: Meconium stained amniotic fluid is more commonly associated with post-maturity, pregnancy induced hypertension, oligohydramnios and prolonged labor low APGAR score and higher incidence of birth asphyxia and NICU admissions. Appropriate management of neonates with meconium aspiration syndrome is crucial to prevent neonatal mortality.

Comparison of hematological parameters among newborns with meconium stained amniotic fluid and clear amniotic fluid

Background: Meconium stained amniotic fluid is an indirect marker of fetal hypoxia. Fetal hypoxia affects bone marrow and affects production of cell lines. Indirect marker of erythropoietin activity is nucleated red blood cells count. Aim of the study is to compare hematological parameter in newborn born with meconium stained liquor and clear amniotic fluid. Also, to determine cut off levels of nucleated RBC as marker of fetal hypoxia in meconium stained amniotic fluid(MSAF).Methods: The study was conducted over a period of 2 years from January 2012 to January 2014 in Department of Pediatrics, Sri Aurobindo medical college and hospital, Indore. One hundred newborns with meconium stained amniotic fluid (study group) and one hundred newborns with clear amniotic fluids (control group) were studied in this period. Cord blood samples were collected and hematological parameters were compared.Results: Hemoglobin % and WBC counts were seen in study group in comparison to control group, which is statistically significant (P<0.05). The reported NRBC/100 WBC between the two groups was statistically analyzed. The mean NRBC count in study group were 8.09'6.09 which was statistically higher than the corresponding values in control group 2.07'2.25 (P<0.05).Conclusions: Study concluded that the hemoglobin levels , WBC and NRBC counts in babies with meconium stained amniotic fluid is higher than those babies delivered with clear amniotic fluid and NRBC can be taken as a surrogate marker of hypoxia in a resource limited setting.

Association of gestational age, Apgar score and neonatal outcomes in newborns with meconium stained amniotic fluid

Background: Infants born with meconium stained fluid are at increased risk of fetal hypoxia, evidenced by increased rates of abnormalities indicated by fetal monitoring in labor, low neonatal Apgar scores, and fetal deaths. The study is conducted to determine association of gestational age, Apgar score and neonatal outcomes in newborn born with meconium stained amniotic fluid in tertiary care centre of central India.Methods: The study was conducted over a period of 2 years from January 2012 to January 2014 in Department of Pediatrics, Sri Aurobindo Medical College and Hospital, Indore, Madhya Pradesh, India. One hundred newborns with meconium stained amniotic fluid (study group) and one hundred newborns with clear amniotic fluids (control group) were studied in this period. Gestational age, Apgar score and neonatal outcomes were compared among two groups.Results: The mean gestational age in study group was 38.89'1.14 weeks and in control group was 38.59'0.99 weeks. The mean Apgar score at 1 min was 5.80'1.59 in study group and in the control group was 7.86'0.35. 32 babies in meconium stained liquor had hypoxia of which 11 had respiratory distress, 11 required mechanical ventilation (MAS 08, sepsis 03), 2 newborns had HIE stage 2 and 5 patients died. The above findings suggest higher gestational age, lower Apgar score and poor neonatal outcomes are associated with meconium stained liquor.Conclusions: The study depicts significant co-relation with higher gestational age, lower Apgar at 1 and 5 minutes and poor neonatal outcome in babies with meconium stained amniotic fluid.

Study of respiratory complications and outcome in meconium stained deliveries

Background: To study the development of respiratory complications in the form of meconium aspiration syndrome (MAS), persistent pulmonary hypertension of newborn (PPHN), pulmonary hemorrhage and pneumothorax in neonates born through meconium stained liquor.Methods: It was a prospective study conducted during the period of February to October 2018. All live babies associated with meconium stained liquor were included.Results: Total 606 neonates with meconium stained amniotic fluid (MSAF) were enrolled. Chance of meconium passage was more after 37wk of gestation, in birth weight >2.5 kg and in AGA babies. The rate of LSCS was higher in MSAF group. MAS developed in 28% cases, out of which 42.9% expired. PPHN developed in 6.9% cases, out of which 80% expired. 100% mortality was there in babies with pulmonary hemorrhage. Apgar scores <7 is significantly associated with the development of respiratory complications. 22.8% of vigorous babies and all non-vigorous babies developed respiratory complications showing statistical significance with P-value of <0.00001. Mortality in MSAF was 12%. All babies who expired had severe meconium aspiration syndrome. 83.9% of the patients stayed for <7 days in the hospital. All of the expiry except one occurred within 7 days of life due to development of respiratory complications.Conclusions: MSAF is associated with the development of respiratory complications and mortality in neonates. Non-vigorous babies and the babies with Apgar scores <7 at birth are more prone to developing respiratory complications. Most of the MSAF babies were discharged and mortality was more in patients with respiratory complications.

A study on the relationship between meconium-stained amniotic fluid, chorioamnionitis and the infections of the mother and the infant / 中国新生儿科杂志

Objective To study the influences of meconium-stained amniotic fluid (MSAF) and chorioamnionitis (CA) on maternal and infant infection.Method From July to December 2014,full-term single birth newborns with MSAF born in our hospital were assigned into the MSAF group.According to the pathological characteristics of the placenta,they were further assigned into CA group and non-CA group.The healthy single birth full-term infants without MSAF were assigned into the control group.The influences of MSAF and CA on maternal and infant infection were analyzed.Result A total of 178 MASF cases were enrolled,including 57 cases with CA and 121 cases without CA.42 infants were in the control group.The incidence of CA with MSAF (32.0％,57/178) was significantly higher than the control group (4.8％,2/42) (P＜0.05).The white blood cell counts on the first day of the CA group and non-CA group were (29.4±8.9)x 109/Land (22.8±4.8)x 109/L,respectively.36.8％ of the CA group had increased CRP within 3 days after birth,while 15.7％ in the non-CA group.The incidence of neonatal infection were 49.1％(28/57) in the CA group,and 20.7％(25/121) in the non-CA group.The incidence of meconium aspiration syndrome was 28.1％(16/57)in the CA group,and 8.3％(10/121) in the nou-CA group.The differences between the two groups were statistically significant (P＜0.05).The proportion of neutrophils of the mother was (80.3±7.3)％ in the CA group,and (76.4±7.6)％ in the non-CA group.22.8％(13/57) of the mothers in the CA group had fever before and after delivery,and 9.9％(12/121) in the non-CA group.The incidence of uterine infection was 8.8％(5/57) in the CA group and 0％(0/121) in the non-CA group.The postpartum hemorrhage rate was 24.6％(14/57) in the CA group,and 3.3％(4/121) in the non-CA group.The differences were statistically significant (P＜0.05).Conclusion The incidence of CA in MSAF neonates is higher,resulting increased incidences of neonatal infection,maternal fever,and uterine infection.

Retrospective analysis of risk factors for low 1-minute Apgar scores in term neonates

The current study was designed to investigate the perinatal risk factors for low 1-min Apgar scores in term neonates. We retrospectively analyzed the maternal and neonatal clinical data of 10,550 infants who were born through vaginal delivery from 37 weeks 0 days to 41 weeks 6 days of single gestation from January 2013 to July 2018. Because the 1-min Apgar score reflects neonatal status at birth, we analyzed the risk factors for low (score <7) 1-min Apgar scores through logistic regression. Among these 10,550 neonates, 339 (3.2%) had low (score <7) 1-min Apgar scores. Among them, 321 (94.7%) were admitted to the neonatology department for further observation or treatment. Multivariate analysis revealed that educational background, body mass index, gestational age, pathological obstetrics, longer duration of the second stage of labor, forceps delivery or vacuum extraction, neonatal weight, neonatal sex, and meconium-stained amniotic fluid were independent risk factors for 1-min Apgar scores <7. Neonates who had low 1-min Apgar scores were more frequently admitted to the neonatology department for further observation or treatment. Early detection of risk factors and timely intervention to address these factors may improve neonatal outcomes at birth and reduce the rate of admission to the neonatology department.

Study of Meconium Aspiration Syndrome in Neonates.

Meconium is the first faeces of a newborn. The incidence of meconium stained liquor is 10-25% of deliveries; out of which 10% develop meconium aspiration syndrome. It is regarded as a sign of foetal compromise. Aim: To study the babies born with meconium stained amniotic fluid (MSAF) developing Meconium aspiration syndrome (MAS) and factors associated with it. The study also aimed to find out the complications and outcome of MAS. Method: A total 90 babies born with MSAF and admitted to the NICU were studied. Detail maternal history was taken. All babies underwent routine septic screen and a chest x-ray. MAS was designated in a baby as per the defined criteria. Results: Out of the total 90 babies born with MSAF, 41 were female and 49 were male. Majority (95.6%) cases with MSAF occurred either in full term or post term babies. MAS was found in 68 of the total 90 babies, of which 48(70.5%) were vigorous and 20 (19.5%) were non vigorous. Abnormal X-ray was found in 39(43.3%) babies. 23.5% babies required ventilator care. Overall mortality rate was 15.5%. Conclusion: MSAF affects mostly full term and post term babies. History of antenatal foetal heart rate abnormalities and MSAF together are good predictors of non vigorous babies. The duration for which baby remains in contact with MSAF also affect the ultimate outcome. The management of babies born of MSAF should be a combined approach of obstetrician and paediatrician, right from proper monitoring of maternal risk factors to meticulous newborn resuscitation.

Effect of amnioinfusion on outcome of neonates born with meconium stained amniotic fluid.

Background & Objective: Meconium stained amniotic fluid (MSAF) is associated with significant morbidity and mortality. Amnioinfusion can decrease complications of MSAF. The objective was to study role of Amnioinfusion on outcome of babies born with MSAF. Methods: Design: Prospective Interventional Study Setting: Medical college and SSG Hospital, Baroda, Gujarat. Study Period: from 1st March 2003 to 31st December 2003 Inclusion criteria: evidence of Thick MSAF AND station of the head is zero or above. Patients were grouped randomly in to two groups. In Group A amnioinfusion was performed while in Group B amnioinfusion was not done. Amnioinfusion was done by inserting foley catheter transcervically and infusing normal saline or ringer lactate at the rate of 100ml/min till the coming liquor became clear. Outcome was studied. Results: Out of total 227 babies with thick MSAF amnioinfusion was performed in 52 patients (Group A), rest 175 patients were controls (Group B). Incidence of MAS was significantly lower 7.7% in Group A compared to 25.7% of Group B (P < 0.005). There was significantly lower incidence of birth asphyxia 1.92% in Group A compared to 34.8% in Group B (P value < 0.0001). Incidence of HIE was significantly lower in group A. Incidence of Air leaks and PPHN was similar in both groups. Rate of NICU admission was significantly lower in group A (13.4%) compared to group (51.4%), P value < 0.001. Mortality in Group A was much lower 5.8% compared to 14.85% in Group B (p =0.08). Amnioinfusion did not increase risk of maternal or neonatal sepsis. Conclusion: Amnioinfusion significantly decreases complications of MSAF and improves perinatal survival.

Meconium Stained Amniotic Fluid – A Potential Predictor Of Meconium Aspiration Syndrome.

Objective: To identify potential predictors of Meconium Aspiration Syndrome (MAS) in pregnancies complicated by meconium-stained amniotic fluid (MSAF) & to review the incidence, morbidity and mortality of Meconium Aspiration Syndrome (MAS). Methods: In the period of 2003 to 2006,175 pregnancies with thick meconium-stained AF were delivered; of these, 15 neonates developed MAS and 160 did not. The two groups were compared retrospectively according to maternal findings, pregnancy outcome, and neonatal complications, using univariate analysis (P < 0.05 considered significant) and stepwise multiple logistic regression analysis to identify independent significant factors for prediction of MAS. Results: Incidence of MSAF was 13.97% and that of MAS was 8.57%. All deliveries associated with thick MSAF had developed MAS. 40% mothers were associated with PROM & prolonged labour. Most common & significant risk factors associated with MAS were increased gestational age, increased cesarean section (LSCS) & low Apgar scores at 1 minute and 5 minute. Mortality rate was 6.66% & mechanical ventilation was used in only 1(6.66%) case. Conclusion: MAS are associated with higher incidence of LSCS, lower 1 minute & 5 minute Apgar score & higher gestational weeks. 40% mothers were associated with PROM & prolonged labour. The neonatal morbidity & mortality is significantly more frequent in relation to thick meconium stained amniotic fluid. Specific delivery room resuscitation procedure, early diagnosis & proper management can prevent development of MAS as well as morbidity & mortality.