Meconium Aspiration Syndrome Meconium - Sterile - Chemically irritative, obstructive, medium for bacterial culture Causes: y Significant respiratory

distress immediately after birth Treatment: y Suction hypopharynx at birth y Intubate and suction trachea y Treat respiratory distress y Prevent acidosis and hypoxemia y May use exogenous surfactant

Meconium Aspiration Syndrome Aspiration of amniotic fluid containing meconium into fetal or newborn trachea in utero or at first breath s/s: meconium stained at birth, tachypnea, hypoxia, hyperventilation (early), hypoventilation (later)

1.

Meconium Aspiration Syndrome - meconium forms 10 weeks AOG and the rectal sphincter is usually contracted for 9 months - condition occurs in the uterus, in that meconium is already expelled and found in the amniotic fluid because rectal sphincter relaxes due to intrauterine hypoxia/problems in oxygenation/asphyxia - baby aspirates on meconium upon birth and plugs the bronchioles which cannot be absorbed - NI: intubate until lungs then suction

2. Meconium Aspiration Syndrome

meconium forms 10 weeks AOG and the rectal sphincter is usually contracted for 9 months condition occurs while in the uterus in that meconium is already expelled and found in the amniotic fluid because rectal sphincter relaxes due to intrauterine hypoxia/problems in oxygenation baby aspirates on meconium upon birth and plugs the bronchioles which cannot be absorbed NI: intubate until lungs then suction