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18-Mar-2008, 01:55
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Meconium 'Mec' meconium is the earliest stools of an infant. Unlike later faeces, meconium is composed of materials ingested during the time the infant spends in the uterus: intestinal epithelial cells, lanugo, mucus, Amniotic Fluid, bile, and water. meconium is sterile, unlike later faeces, is viscous and sticky like tar, and has no odor. It should be completely passed by the end of the first few days of postpartum life, with the stools progressing toward yellow (digested milk). meconium is normally stored in the infant's intestines until after birth, but sometimes it is expelled into the Amniotic Fluid prior to birth or during labour and delivery. Liquor that is stained green or brown or has a thick texture like thick pea soup indicates that the neonate is in distress and has passed meconium. References http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/ meconium meconium aspiration MAS can happen before, during, or after labour and delivery when a newborn inhales (or aspirates) a mixture of meconium and Amniotic Fluid. meconium is the baby's first faeces which is sticky, thick, and dark green and is typically passed in the womb during early pregnancy and again in the first few days after birth. The inhaled meconium can partially or completely block the baby's airways. Although air can flow past the meconium trapped in the baby's airways as the baby breathes in, the meconium becomes trapped in the airways when the baby breathes out. And so, the inhaled meconium irritates the baby's airways and makes it difficult to breathe. MAS can affect the baby's breathing in a number of ways, including chemical irritation to the lung tissue, airway obstruction by a meconium plug, infection, and the inactivation of surfactant by the meconium (surfactant is a natural substance that helps the lungs expand properly). Presentation
Investigations
Suction - It is common practice to apply DeLee suctioning (caregiver powered suction via a mucus trap) to all babies with meconium-stained Liquor. However, recent studies suggest this makes no difference to the subsequent development of MAS, suggesting that meconium aspiration may sometimes be an intra-uterine event. Intubation - if the baby is showing weak or no respiratory effort, an endotracheal tube should be inserted by a paediatrician. Oxygen - depending on the degree of respiratory distress, respiratory support should be provided with oxygen via a nasal cannula, continuous positive pressure ventilation, conventional mechanical ventilation, or high-frequency oscillatory ventilation. References http://www.patient.co.uk/showdoc/40000469/ http://adam.about.com/encyclopedia/i...inhalation.htm      |
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| Meconium obs. How do you do yours? | AtTheDesk | Clinical Placements | 3 | 23-Apr-2008 23:13 |
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