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## Meconium Aspiration Syndrome (MAS) **What is MAS?** MAS occurs when meconium expelled in amniotic fluid is aspirated before, during, or after birth. This happens in about 20% of pregnancies. **Symptoms** Symptoms include: * Tachypnea with prolonged expirations * Nasal flaring and sternal retr...

## Meconium Aspiration Syndrome (MAS) **What is MAS?** MAS occurs when meconium expelled in amniotic fluid is aspirated before, during, or after birth. This happens in about 20% of pregnancies. **Symptoms** Symptoms include: * Tachypnea with prolonged expirations * Nasal flaring and sternal retraction * Course crackles * Lethargy * Hypoxemia and hypercapnia * Cyanosis * Metabolic and respiratory acidosis (PaO2 decreased even with 100% oxygen) * Hyperventilation may occur initially with hypoventilation later * Chest x-rays may show infiltrates, atelectasis, hypoinflated areas as well as hyperinflated areas. * Pulmonary hypertension * Hypothermia * Hypoglycemia * Long-term sequelae may include airway obstruction, hyperinflation, and exercise-induced bronchospasm. **Other Conditions** **S. aureus, group B streptococcus, Pseudomonas, and group A streptococci.** Common viral agents include herpes simplex, cytomegalovirus, varicella, RSV, parainfluenza, enterovirus, and adenovirus. Symptoms are similar to respiratory distress and sepsis. **Symptoms include:** * Tachypnea with diminished breath sounds and rales. * Expiratory grunting. * Sternal retraction. * Cyanosis. * Hypoxemia and hypercapnia. * Hypoglycemia. * Shock. * Chest x-ray: Similar to RDS. **Treatment includes the following:** * Administer antibiotics (ampicillin with an aminoglycoside initially for bacterial infection), usually for 10 to 14 days. * Provide thermoregulation. * Maintain blood glucose levels. * Provide supplementary oxygen and assisted ventilation as necessary. * Treat acidosis (respiratory and/or metabolic). * Intravenous fluids. * Monitor for evidence of DIC.