[Meconium aspiration syndrome requiring mechanical ventilation: incidence and respiratory management in France (2000-2001)].
OBJECTIVE
To precise the number of term neonates with a meconium aspiration syndrome requiring mechanical ventilation in 2000 and 2001 in continental France and the related mortality. To study the different respiratory management.


METHODS
A written questionnaire was sent to all intensive care units of continental France.


RESULTS
Thirty-nine units were contacted and 31 answered (80%). On 30 answering centers, 265 cases are reported in 2000 and 249 in 2001. Extrapolation to the 39 centers led to a number of 347 cases in 2000 and 324 in 2001. Mortality rate was 6.4% for 2 years. Causes of death were: neurological 61%, respiratory 18% and others 21%. Twenty-six on 29 units used exogenous surfactant and/or high frequency oscillatory ventilation (HFOV) and/or inhaled nitric oxide (iNO). The sequence of use and the indication criteria of these therapies were quite variable with a majority of units using HFOV in the first place.


CONCLUSIONS
Meconium aspiration syndrome is still a frequent neonatal condition despite a codified prevention strategy. Respiratory management in intensive care units remains very variable.
Nolent
P
P
Service de réanimation néonatale et pédiatrique, hôpital d'enfants Armand-Trousseau, AP-HP, 26, avenue du Dr-Netter, 75571 Paris 12, France. paul.nolent@trs.ap-hop-paris.fr
Hallalel
F
F
Chevalier
J Y
JY
Flamant
C
C
Renolleau
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S
D001993:Bronchodilator Agents / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000627:therapeutic use; D002423:Cause of Death; D005260:Female; D005602:France; D006306:Health Surveys; D006801:Humans; D015994:Incidence; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D007363:Intensive Care Units, Neonatal / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D008297:Male; D008471:Meconium Aspiration Syndrome / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000401:mortality / Q000628:therapy*; D009569:Nitric Oxide / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000627:therapeutic use; D012121:Respiration, Artificial / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*
D001993:Bronchodilator Agents; D009569:Nitric Oxide