Respiratory distress :

Meconium aspiration
syndrome
Dr.E.M Nghitanwa
22 March 2023

Reference: Sellers & Myles

Meconium aspiration
Overview
 If the fetus is hypoxic in utero it may pass meconium and
 make gasping movements which suck the meconium stained
liquor into the larynx and trachea.
 If the airways are not well suctioned after the head is delivered
the meconium can be inhaled into the smaller airways and
alveoli with the onset of breathing, resulting in lung damage.
 Inhaled meconium traps air inside the lungs leading to
hyperinflation of lungs
 Alveoli develop a pneumothorax, pneumomediastinum,
pnumonitis, hypertension and over distention of lungs.

Reference: Sellers & Myles

Meconium aspiration syndrome

Signs and symptoms

 Skin:
• yellow-green pigmentation,
• meconium stained fingernails & umbilical cord
• Skin peeling
 Chest:
• weezing,sudden
• severe respiratory distress with tachpnoea
• Hyperexpanded chest
• Irregular gaspingrespiration

Reference: Sellers & Myles

Meconium aspiration syndrome
 General :
• Low APGAR
• Decrease in muscle tone
• Decrease respiration at birth
• Tachpnoea
• Cyanosis
• Grunting
• Retraction of chest wall
• Squinting due to Cerebral hypoxia
Meconium aspiration syndrome
Management and care
 Careful use of medication / drugs during labour to

prevent fetal distress

 O2 to mother during complications, fetal distress,

maternal exhaustion etc.

 Prevention of aspiration of meconium / liquor by

suctioning when head is delivered

 Preparation for resuscitation
 Pediatrician to be available during delivery
 Proper monitoring and care of the infant after

delivery
Reference: Sellers & Myles
Meconium aspiration syndrome
Complications:
 Pneumothorax
 Hypoxic damage to other organs
 Meconium gastritis
 Pulmonary hypertension