An infant who is diagnosed with meconium aspiration displays which symptom?
|
Meconium is a newborn's first poop. This sticky, thick, dark green poop is made up of cells, protein, fats, and intestinal secretions, like bile. Babies typically pass meconium (mih-KOH-nee-em) in the first few hours and days after birth. But some babies pass meconium while still in the womb during late pregnancy. Show
What Is Meconium Aspiration Syndrome?Meconium aspiration syndrome (MAS) happens when a newborn has trouble breathing because meconium got into the lungs. Meconium can make it harder to breathe because it can:
With treatment, most babies with meconium aspiration syndrome get better with no problems. What Causes Meconium Aspiration Syndrome?Meconium aspiration happens when a baby is stressed and gasps while still in the womb, or soon after delivery when taking those first breaths of air. When gasping, a baby may inhale amniotic fluid and any meconium in it. Babies are more likely to pass meconium when: Babies who are stressed by low oxygen levels or infections also may pass meconium before birth. When meconium gets in the amniotic fluid, there's a chance a baby will breathe (aspirate) it into the lungs before, during, or after birth. But most babies with meconium in the amniotic fluid will not get MAS. What Are the Signs & Symptoms of Meconium Aspiration Syndrome?Before or at a baby's birth, doctors will notice one or more of these signs:
How Is Meconium Aspiration Syndrome Diagnosed?Doctors diagnose MAS in any baby with breathing problems who is born through meconium-stained fluid and has no other cause for the breathing problems. A chest X-ray can confirm the diagnosis. Doctors may do other tests to be sure nothing else causes the symptoms, such as a heart problem or pneumonia. How Is Meconium Aspiration Syndrome Treated?Most babies with MAS get medical care in a special care nursery or neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) and get oxygen, if needed. A baby who gets extra oxygen but still struggles to breathe will get help from a breathing machine (ventilator). An infant with severe MAS may need more treatment, such as:
Most babies with MAS get better within a few days or weeks, depending on how much meconium they inhaled. Can Meconium Aspiration Syndrome Be Prevented?If a woman goes past her due date, her doctor may recommend inducing labor to help prevent MAS. If a pregnant woman's water breaks and she sees dark green stains or streaks in the fluid, she should tell her doctor right away. This is a sign that meconium is in the amniotic fluid. In the past, doctors sometimes did amnioinfusion (using saline to dilute meconium in the amniotic fluid) or suctioned meconium out of the baby's mouth and throat at birth. But these treatments weren't found to prevent MAS, so are not routinely done. What Else Should I Know?Most infants with meconium aspiration syndrome recover completely. Some babies may have a higher risk of lung infections and wheezing, particularly in their first year of life. The etiology of this condition is thought to be delayed resorption of fetal lung fluid. This condition is more common in term infants, especially those delivered by cesarean section. The symptoms consist of tachypnea, grunting, and nasal flaring. The infant might display cyanosis. Most infants recover within 12 to 24 hours, though the symptoms may last as long as three days. Oxygen therapy is usually required for a few hours. Radiographic examination reveals central perihilar streaking and fluid in the fissures. Meconium Aspiration SyndromeMeconium staining is seen in about 10% of all pregnancies and almost half of post-date pregnancies and may result from intrauterine fetal distress. The aspiration of meconium- stained amniotic fluid results in severe respiratory distress. The thick material produces a ball-valve effect with areas of over- expansion and atelectasis. Pneumothorax is a frequent complication in the over-expanded areas of the lung. Oxygenation and ventilation are compromised, and persistent pulmonary hypertension might result. Respiratory Distress Syndrome (RDS)RDS results from the inability of the premature infant to synthesize pulmonary surfactant (surface-active lecithin). Surfactant is essential to reduce alveolar surface tension and keep the alveoli open during expiration. The hallmark of RDS is diffuse atelectasis. RDS is uncommon in the term infant. The more premature the infant, the more likely the development of RDS. In addition to prematurity, the risk for RDS is increased by conditions that delay lung maturity such as maternal diabetes, male sex, and Caucasian race. Conversely, lung maturity can be hastened by the stress of intrauterine growth retardation and also by administration of antenatal glucocorticoids to the mother. The infant with RDS displays tachypnea, retractions, nasal flaring, grunting, and cyanosis within a few hours of birth. The chest radiograph demonstrates a reticulo-granular "ground-glass" appearance with air bronchograms. Administration of oxygen, artificial surfactant and respiratory support are the keystones of management. What are the symptoms of meconium aspiration?Symptoms. Bluish skin color in the infant.. Breathing problems.. Dark, greenish staining or streaking of the amniotic fluid or the obvious presence of meconium in the amniotic fluid.. Limpness in infant at birth.. What is the most common symptom seen to the infant with meconium aspiration syndrome?Each baby may experience symptoms of meconium aspiration differently, but the following are the most common signs: Rapid or labored breathing. Retractions, or pulling in of the chest wall. Grunting sounds with breathing.
Which symptom would most accurately indicate that a newborn has experienced meconium aspiration during the birth process?Your baby may also have symptoms such as: Rapid breathing. Muscles of the ribs pulling in toward the chest when the child breathes. Grunting sounds with breathing.
Which of the following clinical manifestations are observed at birth on infants who have meconium aspiration syndrome?Affected newborns have bluish skin and/or lips, rapid and labored breathing, and can make a grunting sound when breathing out. The diagnosis is based on seeing meconium in the amniotic fluid at birth, along with trouble breathing and abnormal chest x-ray results.
|
