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Abstract
Background: To determine the factors leading to meconium aspiration syndrome in neonates
Methods: In this descriptive study 100 neonates, with complaint of meconium staining of body, vocal cords and / or respiratory distress, whether delivered at home or at hospital, were included. Babies were first diagnosed as a case of meconium aspiration syndrome by meconium staining of body and vocal cords, and / or tachypnea and respiratory distress. They were examined for crepitations in chest on auscultation. Chest X-rays were done of all patients to see infiltrates and hyperinflation.
Results: The most frequent factor was birth asphyxia which was predicted by poor APGAR score (40% cases). The other factor was post term pregnancy(30%). Males constituted 58%and 42% were females. One patient (1%) case was preterm and IUGR. While 30% cases were post-term and 69% cases were born by appropriate age. 60% cases were delivered by spontaneous vaginal delivery. Commonest complications observed were pneumothorax (15%) and sepsis. Chest X-Ray findings showed infiltrates and hyper expansion in 50% cases.
Conclusion: Factors which lead to meconium aspiration syndrome are birth asphyxia, post term pregnancy, maternal diseases, prolong labour and IUGR