Incidence and Complications of Meconium Aspiration Syndrome in Term Neonates – A Prospective Observational Study

Background: Meconium aspiration syndrome (MAS) is a major respiratory condition in term neonates, occurring when meconium-stained amniotic fluid (MSAF) is aspirated, causing airway obstruction, inflammation, and surfactant dysfunction. MSAF is seen in 10-20% of term deliveries worldwide, with MAS developing in 5-30% of those cases depending on setting and meconium thickness. In India, higher rates are often reported in tertiary centers due to referral patterns and delayed care. Risk factors include post-term gestation, fetal distress, and thick meconium. Complications range from respiratory failure and pneumothorax to persistent pulmonary hypertension of the newborn (PPHN), hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy, and mortality. Despite improvements in perinatal care, MAS contributes significantly to neonatal intensive care admissions. This study examined the incidence and complications of MAS in term neonates at a tertiary hospital in Gujarat, India, to provide local insights and support improved protocols. Material and Methods: This prospective observational study was carried out over a year at a tertiary care hospital in western Gujarat, screening 940 term deliveries. Neonates with MSAF were followed for MAS signs. Institutional Ethics Committee approval was obtained, following Helsinki guidelines, with parental informed consent. Inclusion: term (37-42 weeks) neonates with MSAF. Exclusion: preterm/post-term extremes, congenital anomalies, non-MSAF births, or incomplete data. Data included demographics, clinical features, complications, and outcomes via records and follow-up. SPSS version 25 was used; chi-square for associations, logistic regression for risks, p