Abstract

Aspiration of meconium typically occurs after fetal hypoxic/ischemic stress leading to intestinal peristalsis, meconium contamination of the amniotic fluid, and gasping respirations that draw the noxious meconium-stained fluid deep into the lung. Meconium contamination of amniotic fluid occurs in 10–15% of all pregnancies, and 5–10% of these infants develop meconium aspiration syndrome and respiratory failure. This review presents the update data on clinical, diagnostic and treatment approach for MAS.

Key words: Meconium aspiration syndrome, newborn, current approaches