Meconium Aspiration Syndrome in Meconium Stained Babies

Objective: To find out frequency of meconium aspiration syndrome in meconium stained babies. To find out association of certain risk factors with development of MAS. Method: This was a cross sectional study. All term neonates delivered through meconium stained amniotic fluid during the study period of six months, in Holy Family Hospital were included in the study by non-probability convenient sampling. They were admitted in neonatal unit and were observed for the development of MAS. Risk factors that were studied, included maternal parity, prolonged rupture of membranes more than 16 hours, mode of delivery, fetal distress, weight of the babies, meconium stained vocal cords and APGAR score of less than 7 at 5 minutes. Results: One hundred twenty six babies were included in the study. Out of these, 10 (7.9%) developed MAS and 2 (20%) out of 10 babies of MAS died while rests were discharged after treatment. Conclusion: 7.9% meconium stained babies developed MAS with 20% mortality. Important risk factors Senior Registrar, Services Hospital, Lahore associated with development of MAS were found to be delivery through cesarean section, fetal distress, meconium stained vocal cords and low APGAR score at 5 minutes