Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 18, 2026
A Swine Model of Neonatal Asphyxia
Published on: October 11, 2011
Management for neonatal aspiration syndrome caused by vernix caseosa
Koji Nishijima1, Ken-ichi Shukunami, Shuji Inoue
1Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Fukui, Matsuoka-Cho, Yoshida-Gun, Fukui, Japan.
Objective:
To clarify resuscitation methods against the lethal vernix caseosa aspiration syndrome.
Method:
A single case report with a literature review.
Results:
Our case report was associated with aspiration syndrome caused by an airway obstruction of vernix caseosa: a proteolipid biofilm synthesized by the fetus. A 23-year-old woman normally delivered a mature infant at term. The infantile oral cavity was filled with numerous aggregates of vernix caseosa. Two hours after his birth, the infant died from respiratory insufficiency. We discuss the difference between management of our case and the previously reported case.
Conclusion:
Pregnant women with a diffuse pattern of high-level echoes in prenatal ultrasonography, suggesting the presence of massive vernix caseosa, should be transferred to a well-equipped institution that can administer inhaled nitric oxide and extracorporeal membrane oxygenation.
Related Concept Videos
01:29Suctioning the Nasopharyngeal Airway
Equipment Required
01:22Aneurysm IV: Nursing Management
01:30Pneumonia V: Nursing management and Prevention
The nurse must practice strict medical asepsis and adhere to infection control guidelines to minimize healthcare-associated infections.
Enhance airway patency
Position the patient correctly to facilitate drainage of the affected lung segments. Manual or mechanical percussion and vibration can also be employed.
01:30Epistaxis
Etiology
Possible causes of this condition include high blood pressure, trauma, low humidity, upper respiratory tract infections, allergies, foreign bodies, nasal inhalation of corticosteroids or illicit drugs, excessive use of decongestant nasal sprays, facial or nasal surgery, anatomic malformation, tumors, or systemic...
01:29Acute Respiratory Failure-V
Ensure that patients are monitored continuously for their response to therapy, including changes in...
01:17Endotracheal Intubation II: Nursing Management
1. Nursing Care of Patients Before Intubation
Before the endotracheal intubation procedure, nurses play an essential role in ensuring the process goes smoothly. The nurses must be familiar with intubation...