Meconium-stained amniotic fluid viscosity and chest x-ray findings

Abstract

Background Approximately 8-15% of all infants are born with
evidence of meconium-stained amniotic fluid (MSAF). Many
of these infants rapidly initiate a good respiratory response and
are othenvise vigorous. Other infants present v.ith a variety of
respiratory distress. Chest x-ray imaging is the main test done to
evaluate respiratory distress in order to differentiate pulmonary
and extrapulmonary etiologies.
Objective To determine the relationship between viscosity of
MSAF and chest x-ray imaging results.
Methods This cross-sectional study was held from January to June
2011, as a continuation of a previous study from August 2009 to
May 2010 at Kariadi Hospital, Semarang, Indonesia. Data was
taken from medical records of babies who were born v.ith MSAF.
MSAF viscosity measurements by the investigator and laboratory
technician were assessed by Kappa test in the previous study with
a result of 0.7 4. X-ray findings were determined by the radiologist
on duty at that time. Chi square and logistic regressiontests were
used for statistical analysis.
Results There were 48 subjects consisting of 26 males and 22
females. Chest x-ray imaging results showed normal findings in
33.3% of subjects, pneumonia in 58.3% of subjects and meconium
aspiration syndrome in 8.3% of subjects. Thick viscosity MSAF
was significantly correlated to abnormal x-ray imaging (RR= 2.046;
P=0.004; 95%CI 1.12 t03.72).
Conclusion Thick MSAF viscosity significantly increased the
risk of abnormal chest x-ray findings. [Paediatr Indones.
2012;52:336-40].