Related Experiment Video

Updated: May 26, 2026

Protocol and Guidelines for Point-of-Care Lung Ultrasound in Diagnosing Neonatal Pulmonary Diseases Based on International Expert Consensus
06:15

Protocol and Guidelines for Point-of-Care Lung Ultrasound in Diagnosing Neonatal Pulmonary Diseases Based on International Expert Consensus

Published on: March 6, 2019

Advances in the management of meconium aspiration syndrome

Kamala Swarnam1, Amuchou S Soraisham, Sindhu Sivanandan

  • 1Division of Neonatology, Department of Pediatrics, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada T2N 1N4.

International Journal of Pediatrics
|December 14, 2011
PubMed

Insights

Meconium aspiration syndrome (MAS) in newborns causes severe breathing problems. Advances in surfactant and inhaled nitric oxide (iNO) treatments have improved outcomes, reducing mortality and the need for extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO).

Area of Science:

  • Neonatal Medicine
  • Pediatric Respiratory Medicine
  • Perinatal Care

Background:

  • Meconium aspiration syndrome (MAS) is a significant cause of severe respiratory distress in term infants.
  • MAS pathophysiology is complex, involving airway obstruction, surfactant dysfunction, chemical pneumonitis, and persistent pulmonary hypertension of the newborn (PPHN).
  • MAS can lead to life-threatening complications including respiratory failure, pulmonary air leaks, and PPHN.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review the current understanding of the pathophysiology of MAS.
  • To discuss the evolving management strategies for MAS.
  • To highlight advancements in neonatal care for MAS.

Main Methods:

  • Review of current literature on MAS pathophysiology and management.
  • Analysis of historical and recent treatment approaches.
  • Synthesis of data on the impact of new therapies.

Main Results:

  • Multifactorial pathophysiology of MAS identified.
  • Collaborative obstetric and pediatric care has evolved.
  • Surfactant and inhaled nitric oxide (iNO) have decreased mortality and reduced the need for extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO).

Conclusions:

  • MAS remains a critical condition in neonatology.
  • Modern therapeutic interventions like surfactant and iNO have significantly improved patient outcomes.
  • Continued research and collaborative care are essential for further advancements in MAS management.

More Related Videos

International Expert Consensus and Recommendations for Neonatal Pneumothorax Ultrasound Diagnosis and Ultrasound-guided Thoracentesis Procedure05:50

International Expert Consensus and Recommendations for Neonatal Pneumothorax Ultrasound Diagnosis and Ultrasound-guided Thoracentesis Procedure

Published on: March 12, 2020

Related Concept Videos

Esophageal Strictures-II: Clinical Features and Management01:26

Esophageal Strictures-II: Clinical Features and Management

Patients with esophageal strictures often experience a range of symptoms. Initially, they may have difficulty swallowing solid foods, which can progress to include liquids. Additional symptoms may involve chest pain or discomfort, regurgitating food and fluids, heartburn, unintentional weight loss, coughing or choking during meals, and hoarseness.
Healthcare providers should gather a comprehensive medical history and conduct a physical examination for diagnosis. If esophageal stricture is...
Esophageal Perforation-II: Clinical Manifestations and Management01:28

Esophageal Perforation-II: Clinical Manifestations and Management

Esophageal perforations manifest in various clinical forms, influenced by factors such as the perforation's cause and location (cervical, intrathoracic, or intra-abdominal), the extent of contamination, and potential injury to adjacent mediastinal structures. The timing between the perforation occurrence and treatment initiation also affects the clinical presentation.
Clinical Manifestations:
Endoscopic Studies II: Thoracocentesis01:26

Endoscopic Studies II: Thoracocentesis

Thoracentesis(Thoracocentesis), commonly known as pleural tap, is a medical procedure where a 22 gauge needle is inserted into the pleural space, the area between the lung and chest wall. This procedure is commonly performed to diagnose or treat various respiratory disorders.
Description
Excess pleural fluid or air may accumulate in some respiratory disorders in the thoracic cavity. To treat pleural effusion, a physician conducts thoracentesis by carefully piercing the chest wall and entering...
Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation V: Advanced Airway Management Techniques01:30

Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation V: Advanced Airway Management Techniques

Airway management is essential in emergency and surgical medicine, ensuring ventilation and oxygenation in patients who cannot maintain their own airway. Clinicians use a range of techniques and devices to secure the airway, depending on the patient’s condition and the clinical context. Key methods include endotracheal intubation, rapid sequence intubation (RSI), supraglottic airway devices, and advanced visualization aids. In cases where these approaches fail, surgical airway interventions are...
Pneumonia V: Nursing management and Prevention01:30

Pneumonia V: Nursing management and Prevention

Nursing management of pneumonia involves promoting airway patency, facilitating rest and conserving energy, encouraging fluid intake, maintaining nutrition, and educating patients.
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.
Endoscopic Procedures IV: Sigmoidoscopy and Laproscopy01:26

Endoscopic Procedures IV: Sigmoidoscopy and Laproscopy

Sigmoidoscopy and laparoscopy are distinct medical procedures that enable physicians to internally inspect different parts of the GI tract. Although they serve different purposes, each is essential for diagnosing and, in some cases, treating various medical conditions.
Sigmoidoscopy
Sigmoidoscopy is a diagnostic procedure that uses a flexible sigmoidoscope equipped with a light source and camera to examine the rectum and sigmoid colon. The procedure involves inserting the tube through the anus...