Aim: Meconium aspiration syndrome is usually seen in full-term and post-term infants and may cause complications including respiratory
failure, pulmonary air leaks, and persistent pulmonary hypertension. The aim of this study was to determine risk factors of meconium
aspiration syndrome and assess the clinical course of the disease.
Material and Methods: Fourteen of 508 infants diagnosed with meconium aspiration syndrome between January 2013 and April 2014
were retrospectively analyzed. The risk factors including the first and fifth minute Apgar scores, the mode of delivery, need for advanced
intervention and deep tracheal aspiration in the delivery room, and the presence of perinatal asphyxia were recorded and patients were
classified according to the severity of disease. The clinical features and complications of the disease were also recorded.
Results: Fourteen infants with a mean gestational age of 38.7 00 B1 2.1 weeks and mean birth weight of 2828 00 B1 810 grams enrolled in the study.
Two patients had perinatal asphyxia, three pulmonary hypertension, and one of our patients developed pneumothorax. During the followup,
nine patients needed mechanical ventilation support while five patients received surfactant therapy. In our study, one infant had mild,
ten infants had moderate, and three infants had severe meconium aspiration syndrome. All patients responded well to the treatment.
Conclusion: Meconium aspiration syndrome is an important problem with high morbidity and mortality rates. The determination of risk
factors and close follow-up during perinatal and neonatal period may prevent the disease and decrease morbidity and mortality rates.
Key words: Meconium Aspiration Syndrome; Risk Factor; Complications.
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