PEDS/NEONATES: Meconium Aspiration Syndrome

the early feces (stool) passed by a newborn soon after birth

meconium

occurs when a newborn baby breathes a mixture of meconium and amniotic fluid into the lungs in utero or during first breaths at birth

Meconium Aspiration Syndrome

what does MSAF stand for

Meconium stained amniotic fluid

how is meconium aspiration syndrome identified?

Meconium Stained Amniotic Fluid (MSAF)

Name the four components of meconium

-Fetal hair

-epithelial cells

-bile salts

-mucus

risk meconium aspiration syndrome is increased at what gestational age?

after 42 weeks gestation

True or False: Aspiration of meconium may result in airway obstruction, chemical pneumonitis , atelectasis, and pulmonary hypertension

True

name three clinical manifestations of meconium aspiration syndrome

-meconium stain

-gasping at birth

-cyanosis

name three breath sounds you might hear in MAS

-crackles

-rhonchi

-wheezing

Meconium inhibits the production of ______________________

surfactant

True or False: Meconium aspiration can cause pneumonia and obstruction

True

meconium obstruction that may allow some passage of air into and out of the alveolar space

partial obstruction

will open during inspiration, allowing air to enter the alveoli, but will close the airway during expiration, causing localized air trapping which may cause a pneumothorax

ball-valve/check-valve obstruction

will not allow for inhalation or exhalation and leads to atelectasis and hypoventilation (V/Q mismatch)

total obstruction