Abstract

Objective: To determine the clinical outcome of neonates delivered with meconium-stained amniotic fluid (MSAF).
Methodology: A total of 174 neonates born with meconium-stained liquor were included. Data of neonates whose mothers have MSAF were collected from labor and delivery rooms. Apgar score of neonates with MSAF was calculated. The outcome data was recorded.
Results: Out of 174 neonates, 78 (44.8%) were males 96 (55.2%) females. The mean age of mothers was 29.28±4.24 years while mean gestational age was 39.09±1.36 weeks. The mean Apgar score at 5 minutes was 9.23±1.32. Meconium aspiration syndrome was found in 71 (40.8%), birth asphyxia in 43 (24.7%) patients, low Apgar score at 1 minute in 69 (39.7%), low Apgar score at 5 minutes in 41 (23.6%) and NICU admission in 55 (31.6%) patients.
Conclusion: In newborns with MSAF, meconium aspiration syndrome and birth asphyxia were the most observed clinical outcomes. Proper measures must be taken for timely prevention and early treatment of MSAF.

Key words: Apgar score, asphyxia, meconium stained amniotic fluid, neonate.