Detrimental Complications of Meconium Aspiration Syndrome; A Cross-Sectional Study at a Tertiary Care Hospital in Pakistan

Objective: To investigate the detrimental complications associated with Meconium Aspiration Syndrome (MAS) among neonates, focusing on the prevalence of persistent pulmonary hypertension of the newborn (PPHN) and air leak syndrome. Methodology: This is cross sectional descriptive study conducted at the Pediatrics department of Farooq Hospital in Rawalpindi over six months spanning from July 2023 to December 2023. The study enrolled 167 neonates with a history of meconium-stained amniotic fluid & clinical signs of MAS (tachypnea (respiratory rate >60/min), cyanosis, nasal flaring, grunting and chest retractions). In order to check for air leak and PPHN, diagnostic procedures such as echocardiography and chest X-ray were carried out. Using SPSS 23, statistical analysis was performed on characteristics such age, weight, gender, and complications. Results: Of the 167 newborns that were enrolled, 17.4% had PPHN, and 11.98% had air leak syndrome. With a mean age of 6.96±6.50 days and a mean weight of 3.081±0.32 kg, male neonates constituted the majority (62.87%). Out of these babies 82% were discharged and 18% babies expired. Conclusion: The study found that newborns with MAS had a noteworthy frequency of PPHN and air leak