Meconium-stained amniotic fluid: discharge vigorous newborns.
BACKGROUND
Most infants born through meconium-stained amniotic fluid (MSAF) are observed clinically for 24 h postnatally. Only 5% of infants born through MSAF develop the meconium aspiration syndrome (MAS), a serious condition requiring medical intervention.


OBJECTIVE
To evaluate the value of 24-h postnatal observation of infants born through MSAF.


METHODS
A cohort of 394 term neonates born through MSAF was studied. Data were collected on Apgar scores, the development of MAS and other perinatal factors.


RESULTS
Nineteen of the 394 (4.8%) infants born through MSAF developed MAS. 298 (76%) infants had a 5-minute Apgar score (5'AS) of >or=9. In this group the number of infants developing MAS (1; 0.3%) was significantly lower compared with the 5'AS <or=8 group (18; 19%).


CONCLUSIONS
MAS develops rarely in infants born through MSAF with 5'AS above 8. These infants can be safely discharged from the hospital shortly after birth.
van Ierland
Y
Y
Division of Neonatology, Juliana Children's Hospital, The Hague, The Netherlands. y.vanierland@erasmusmc.nl
de Boer
M
M
de Beaufort
A J
AJ
D000653:Amniotic Fluid; D001034:Apgar Score; D015331:Cohort Studies; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D008297:Male; D008470:Meconium; D008471:Meconium Aspiration Syndrome / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000453:epidemiology*; D009426:Netherlands; D010351:Patient Discharge; D018743:Perinatal Care / Q000379:methods*; D011247:Pregnancy