Meconium Stained Amniotic Fluid And Meconium Aspiration Syndrome: A Prospective Study.

Objectives:This study was to evaluate the incidence of meconium aspiration syndrome in babies born to mothers with meconium stained amniotic uid and were to determine the risk factors leading to MSAF, the signicance of blood levels of lactate in determining severity of MAS, determine immediate perinatal outcomes of babies with MSAF and MAS and to evaluated the mortality rate of babies that develop MAS. Methodology:Atotal of 75 babies born of mothers with MSAF were enrolled in this study. Detail assessment was taken to all babies. Gestational age was calculated as per Modied Ballard score. Blood sample was taken for blood lactate levels estimation and x ray were done. Other routine investigations were performed throughout NICU stay. Results: Data was analyzed by using IBM SPSS Statistics 24 model. Pearson chi-square test and Fisher exact tests were used to assess the association between attributes. Binary logistic regression analysis was used to assess the risk factors for MAS. P value was taken ≤ 0.05 for signicant differences. Conclusions: Incidence of MAS was 10.7% of MSAF babies. MSAF and MAS were more common in Babies of para 1 and para 2 mothers. Anaemia followed by pregnancy induced hypertension was common risk factors for MSAF and MAS. MAS was more common in male babies. Term babies and who were birth weight > 3000 grams were affected with MSAF and MAS. Majority of babies with MSAF had no asphyxia. Tachypnea and expiratory grunting were commonly seen in babies with MAS. Babies with MAS, the commonest radiological ndings were observed on the right side alone (50%), followed by bilateral changes (37.5%). Majorities of babies with MAS had blood lactate levels 7.5- 15mmol/l. Blood lactate levels in MSAF babies can predict the severity of MAS. Mortality rate of babies with MAS was 12.5%.