A comparative study on feto-maternal outcome in patients with meconium stained liquor versus clear liquor
Background: Meconium is sterile, thick, black-green, odourless material, formed by accumulation of debris in the fetal intestine. This meconium, when leaks out intra-natally, due to hypoxia, can change the whole scenario, increasing intra-natal foetal risk, morbidity, and possibly causing mortality, depending upon the operative factors. Aims and objectives were to know the perinatal outcome in patients with meconium stained amniotic fluid. To study the complications of meconium stained amniotic fluid in the neonates.Methods: Reverse-transcription polymerase chain reaction (RTPCR) negative women, gestational age >37 weeks with cephalic presentation and singleton pregnancy with meconium stained liquor (grade I, II, and III) after spontaneous or artificial rupture of membranes during labour. Delivery was expedited, when fetal heart rate abnormalities were detected, by safest mode of delivery. The Apgar score of neonates, neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) admission, number of days of hospitalization and birth asphyxia were recorded.Results: A Total 11 patients with pre-eclampsia which presented with meconium stained liquor (MSL). 6 patients with prolonged labour presented with MSL. 8 had thin, 15 had thick MSL and 3 patients of clear liquor. 2 children developed persistent pulmonary hypertension of the newborn (PPHN) in case of MSL group. 25 children required oxygen support and antibiotics after delivery. Mean hospital stay was 2.81 days in MSL and 1.33 days in clear liquor group.Conclusions: Chronic hypoxia is more damaging and dangerous than acute hypoxia, due to longer time it has continued the damage. This can be very effectively achieved by improving the Antenatal care, and intra natal vigilance. Proper monitoring of patients in intrapartum period of following parameters like fetal heart sound, uterine contractions, fetal movements.