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Review
. 2024 Feb 15;86(4):2023-2031.
doi: 10.1097/MS9.0000000000001835. eCollection 2024 Apr.

Meconium aspiration syndrome: from pathophysiology to treatment

Gianluca Dini  1 , Sara Ceccarelli  1 , Federica Celi  1 , Carla Maria Semeraro  1 , Paolo Gorello  2 , Alberto Verrotti  3
Affiliations
Review

Meconium aspiration syndrome: from pathophysiology to treatment

Gianluca Dini et al. Ann Med Surg (Lond). .

Abstract

Meconium aspiration syndrome (MAS) is a clinical condition characterized by respiratory distress in neonates born through meconium-stained amniotic fluid (MSAF). Despite advances in obstetric practices and perinatal care, MAS remains an important cause of morbidity and mortality in term and post-term newborns. Since the 1960s, there have been significant changes in the perinatal and postnatal management of infants born through MSAF. Routine endotracheal suctioning is no longer recommended in both vigorous and non-vigorous neonates with MSAF. Supportive care along with new treatments such as surfactant, inhaled nitric oxide, and high-frequency ventilation has significantly improved the outcome of MAS patients. However, determining the most appropriate approach for this condition continues to be a topic of debate. This review offers an updated overview of the epidemiology, etiopathogenesis, diagnosis, management, and prognosis of infants with MAS.

Keywords: meconium aspiration syndrome (MAS); meconium-stained amniotic fluid (MSAF); newborn; respiratory distress syndrome (RDS).

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Conflict of interest statement

The authors declare no conflicts of interest.Sponsorships or competing interests that may be relevant to content are disclosed at the end of this article.

Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1
Pathophysiology of meconium aspiration syndrome. Legend: MSAF, meconium-stained amniotic fluid; V/Q mismatch, ventilation/perfusion mismatch.
Figure 2
Figure 2
Chest radiography of a full-term infant with meconium aspiration.
Figure 3
Figure 3
Pharmacotherapy of MAS. MAS, meconium aspiration syndrome.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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