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Updated: Jun 23, 2026

A Murine Model of Fetal Exposure to Maternal Inflammation to Study the Effects of Acute Chorioamnionitis on Newborn Intestinal Development
Published on: June 24, 2020
Meconium-stained amniotic fluid: discharge vigorous newborns
Y van Ierland1, M de Boer, A J de Beaufort
1Division of Neonatology, Juliana Children's Hospital, The Hague, The Netherlands. y.vanierland@erasmusmc.nl
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
Conclusion:
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.
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