MECONIUM ASPIRATION SYNDROME

He meconium aspiration syndrome (SAM) It is a respiratory disorder caused by meconium inhalation of amniotic fluid within the bronchial tree.

The first bowel movements of the newborn are called meconium. It is a greenish-black and very sticky substance that is composed of wastes contained in the amniotic fluid that the pregnant baby swallows, such as epithelial remains, lanugo, casey vernix fat and intestinal secretions. When breastfeeding begins, bowel movements change in consistency and color.

It is a sterile substance in the intestine, but that when aspirated can cause lung damage such as infection and even asphyxiation.

It is normal for the baby to eliminate the meconium the days after birth. But if you suffer from a lack of oxygen inside the mother's womb or during labor, there may be an increase in bowel movement and relaxation of the anal sphincter, eliminating part of the meconium in the amniotic fluid, which can be aspirated.

Aspiration may occur before, during or immediately after delivery for remnants of meconium that may have remained in the pharynx and trachea.

What can happen if there is aspiration of meconium

In about 12 percent of births, the baby expels meconium, however, it is not always aspirated. Only in 4 percent of cases are there meconial aspiration syndrome (SAM) and some are more serious than others, depending on the amount, consistency and how long the meconium has remained in the airways.

If it is aspirated, it can cause pneumonia due to meconium aspiration and obstruction of the bronchial tubes.

In these cases, in childbirth, as soon as the head appears baby's mouth is sucked to remove remnants of meconium before the first breath occurs and expands throughout the lung tree.

If the baby does not respond and is not vigorous at birth, a catheter is placed in the trachea to suction the meconium from the airways. Although if the meconium is not very dense, intubation may be unnecessary.

If the meconium aspiration has been more severe, the baby will need specialized care in the intensive care unit.

Complications arising from meconial aspiration can range from difficulty breathing that persists for a few days, to aspiration pneumonia, pulmonary hypertension, brain damage due to lack of oxygen and in extreme cases, the death of the baby.

Symptoms and signs of meconial aspiration

It is important to observe the color of the amniotic fluid When water breaks. It should be light in color, since if it is dyed a greenish color it is a symptom that it contains traces of meconium.

Respiratory difficulty in the newborn baby: respiratory arrest, breathing effort, rapid breathing, abnormal breathing sounds.

Cyanosis in the baby (bluish skin due to lack of oxygen)

Slow heart rate that could indicate fetal distress. (detected in monitoring)

The newborn can give a low score on the Apgar test, a test that is performed on the baby right after birth.

The vernix (unctuous substance that the baby presents at birth), the nails and the umbilical cord may be stained with meconium depending on how long they have been exposed to the substance.