OUTCOMES AND ASSOCIATED FACTORS OF BABIES DIAGNOSED WITH MECONIUM ASPIRATION SYNDROME (MAS): A CASE CONTROL STUDY

Introduction: Meconium aspiration syndrome (MAS) is an illness that linked with significant respiratory morbidity among neonates born through meconium-stained amniotic fluid (MSAF). MAS, the most common cause of serious sickness and death in newborns, occurs in around 5% to 10% of births. 6–25% of all babies have meconium-stained amniotic fluid (MSAF), and approximately 11% will have MAS. This case-control study examines the outcomes and factors associated with MAS in babies born with MSAF. Methods: This single-center case-control study was performed in Kalkaal Hospital from December 15, 2020 to December 15, 2021. The hospital review board of the examined and approved the research protocol. During this period 430 neonates were admitted to the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) in the Hospital. Among the 430, 63 neonates had Meconium aspiration syndrome and were included as the case group in the study. 63 neonates without meconium-stained amniotic fluid or meconium aspiration syndrome were selected purposively for the study. In both groups a record was made on information about fetal distress, gestational age of baby and delivery mode. Additionally, complications like prolonged duration of labor, obstructed labor, and presence of premature rupture of membrane (PROM), and maternal age were recorded. Results: 50.8% of the neonates born with meconium-stained amniotic fluid were males, while 49.2% were females. 61 of the MAS neonates were still alive, while two had expired while all of the control groups were alive. The variables that showed to have significant effect on MAS include fetal distress(p<0.000), gestational age greater than 42 weeks (p = 0.01), and obstructed labor (p = 0.023). The results of the study indicates that 66.7% (n=42) of the patients in the case group had fetal distress with a odds ratio of 19, gestational age above 42 weeks in the case group were 31.7% with a odds ratio of 3.19 and 27% (n=17) of the patients had obstructed labor with a odds ratio of 2.96. Conclusion: The research found out that fetal distress, gestational age greater than 42 weeks, and obstructed labor all contribute significantly to meconium aspiration. Identification and screening of these risk factors may assist in the care of patients with meconium aspiration, therefore minimizing MAS-related complications, morbidity, and death.