Attention, chocolate lovers: You may not be able to help yourselves. Swiss and British scientists have linked the widespread love of chocolate to a chemical "signature" that may be programmed into our metabolic systems.
Read more health news
Meconium Aspiration Syndrome
- Overview, Causes, & Risk Factors
- Symptoms & Signs
- Diagnosis & Tests
- Prevention & Expectations
- Treatment & Monitoring
- Attribution
Overview, Causes, & Risk Factors
Meconium aspiration syndrome, or MAS, occurs when a newborn inhales meconium into its respiratory system. Meconium is a thick, sticky substance found in the intestines of a fetus or newborn.
What is going on in the body?
Meconium may be released into the amniotic fluid when a fetus is in distress. This may occur when a fetus is not getting enough oxygen or nutrients. If this happens, the amniotic fluid surrounding the fetus goes from clear to green. As a newborn takes his or her first breath, or aspiration, the meconium can be inhaled into the lungs. It may partly or completely block the airways. This keeps the baby from getting enough oxygen.
In developed countries, 8% to 20% of the babies born after 34 weeks gestation have meconium-stained amniotic fluid. As many as 1% to 9% of these babies develop meconium aspiration syndrome. MAS is a leading cause of serious illness and death among newborns.
What are the causes and risks of the condition?
Following are some of the factors that increase the risk of meconium aspiration syndrome:
Symptoms & Signs
What are the signs and symptoms of the condition?
Babies with meconium aspiration syndrome may have the following symptoms:
Many babies with MAS are postmature, which means they have been in the uterus more than 40 weeks. These babies may have newborn jaundice, or skin yellowing.
Diagnosis & Tests
How is the condition diagnosed?
Fetal monitoring during labor may help detect babies at risk for MAS. At birth, the baby with MAS may have low Apgar scores. The healthcare provider may order arterial blood gases, which detect breathing problems. The provider may also order a chest X-ray.
Prevention & Expectations
What can be done to prevent the condition?
Meconium aspiration is not always preventable. The following steps may help in some situations:
What are the long-term effects of the condition?
Up to 20% of the babies with meconium aspiration syndrome die from respiratory problems. Other possible complications include the following:
Treatment & Monitoring
What are the treatments for the condition?
Treatment for MAS may include the following:
What are the side effects of the treatments?
Use of a ventilator and other inhalation treatments may cause lung damage. Medications used to treat MAS may cause rash, upset stomach, or allergic reactions.
What happens after treatment for the condition?
If pneumonia develops, the baby may need antibiotics for several weeks. Some infants recover completely from MAS. Others may have permanent damage to the lung, brain, or kidneys.
How is the condition monitored?
Any new or worsening symptoms should be reported to the healthcare provider.
Attribution
Author:Eva Martin, MD
Date Written:
Editor:Ballenberg, Sally, BS
Edit Date:05/31/01
Reviewer:Eileen McLaughlin, RN, BSN
Date Reviewed:09/24/01