Risk factors for meconium-aspiration syndrome.

The aim of this retrospective study was to identify risk factors for meconium-aspiration syndrome, and to identify antenatal and intrapartum risk factors which might be preventable. We analyzed maternal and neonatal records of the 210 infants who had meconium-stained liquor and who also developed respiratory distress necessitating admission to the Special Care of Intensive Care Baby Units at National Women's Hospital, Auckland in 1992. Meconium-aspiration syndrome occurred in 6.6% of meconium exposed babies and in 1.3% of total births. Severe meconium-aspiration syndrome developed in 18 infants, moderate in 48, mild in 60 respiratory distress in 84. An association was found between meconium aspiration syndrome and primiparity (p = 0.001) and Pacific Island ethnicity (p = 0.0002). An association was also found between the severity of meconium and low umbilical artery pH (p = 0.0002). Thick meconium and an abnormal cardiotocograph were more common in severe meconium-aspiration syndrome. All deaths and long-term morbidity occurred in babies with abnormal cardiotocographs or in unmonitored infants. Preventable antenatal and intrapartum factors were not identified in this study.

Endocervical cell retrieval following excisional treatment of CIN: a comparison study between large loop excision of the transformation zone and laser cone excision.

BACKGROUND: The purpose of our study was to compare laser cone excision with large loop excision of the transformation zone with particular respect to the retrieval of endocervical cells on follow-up cervical cytology. METHODS: Retrospective analysis of case records of 368 women who had large loop excision of the transformation zone and 188 women who had laser cone excision for suspected CIN changes at Middlemore Hospital, Auckland. RESULTS: The retrieval of endocervical cells on cervical cytology following large loop excision was 94.7% and 85.2% following laser cone excision. Laser cone excision was associated with a higher chance of normal follow-up cervical cytology. CONCLUSIONS: The retrieval of endocervical cells was satisfactory following both large loop excision and laser cone excision. Laser cone excision is recommended with large or more severe lesions.