Journal of Advances in Medicine and Medical Research

Objective: The study was conducted on the incidence of meconium aspiration syndrome which is still high in the developing world and contributing significantly to the neonatal mortality. The study was aimed to know the risk factors contributing to meconium aspiration syndrome and neonatal outcome in a tertiary hospital (Punjab) Department of pediatric Medicine PAK Emirates Military hospital Rawalpindi in the Pakistan.

Materials and Methods: It was a hospital based cross sectional study This descriptive case series was carried at Department of Peadiatric Medicine PAK Emirates Military hospital Rawalpindi in the Pakistan over a period of one year, from Jan 2019 to Dec 2020, involving 2820 patients; All live newborns born through meconium-stained liquor were enrolled and all the details regarding the mother and neonate were recorded. Odd’s ratio and bivariate analysis was done to assess the risk factors for meconium aspiration syndrome.

Results: Out of all the deliveries 12.4% were born through meconium-stained amniotic fluid and meconium aspiration syndrome developed in 5 .6% of the neonates. Low Apgar score and premature rupture of membranes was significantly associated with the risk of occurrence of meconium aspiration syndrome. Neonates who developed meconium aspiration syndrome had mortality of 6.7%

Conclusion: The Perinatal asphyxia and premature rupture of membranes were significantly associated with the development of meconium aspiration syndrome and neonates who developed meconium aspiration syndrome had high mortality.