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Am J Perinatol 1998; 15(6): 375-379
DOI: 10.1055/s-2007-993960
ORIGINAL ARTICLE

© 1998 by Thieme Medical Publishers, Inc.

Meconium Aspiration Syndrome Complicated by Massive Intravascular Thrombosis

Consolato Sergi1 , Kirsten M. Stein2 , Bernhard Beedgen3 , Eugen Zilow3 , Otwein Linderkamp3 , Herwart F. Otto1
  • 1Institute of Pathology, University of Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
  • 2Institute of Forensic Medicine, University of Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
  • 3Department of Neonatology (Neonatal Intensive Care Unit), University of Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
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Publication History

Publication Date:
04 March 2008 (online)

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ABSTRACT

Fetal aspiration of meconium in amniotic fluid during fetal distress by newborn infants can induce the meconium aspiration syndrome (MAS), a form of neonatal respiratory distress. Should this event occur, admission to a Neonatal Intensive Care Unit and vigorous airway management and monitoring are required. We present a term gestation resulting in MAS complicated by a massive intravascular thrombosis. Despite airway management considered appropriate, the infant developed respiratory distress a few hours after birth and died 5 days later. Postmortem examination showed a diffuse alveolar damage of the lungs with alveoli filled with meconium and amniotic epithelial cells as well as disseminated thrombi in the pulmonary vascular tree, portal system, suprahepatic veins, and peripheral arterial vascular tree.

Keywords

Meconium Aspiration Syndrome - intravascular thrombosis