Meconium Aspiration Syndrome
What are the treatments for the condition?
Treatment for MAS may include the following:
antibiotics, if an infection is suspected
extracorporeal membrane oxygenation, which uses a special machine to add oxygen to the baby's blood and circulate it
inhaled nitric oxide
medications to increase blood flow to the lungs
oxygen therapy
suctioning meconium from the baby's airway
use of a ventilator, or artificial breathing machine
What are the side effects of the treatments?
Use of a ventilator and other inhalation treatments may cause lung damage. Medications used to treat MAS may cause rash, upset stomach, or allergic reactions.
What happens after treatment for the condition?
If pneumonia develops, the baby may need antibiotics for several weeks. Some infants recover completely from MAS. Others may have permanent damage to the lung, brain, or kidneys.
How is the condition monitored?
Any new or worsening symptoms should be reported to the healthcare provider.
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