Endotracheal Suctioning for Nonvigorous Neonates Born Through Meconium Stained Amniotic Fluid.

This randomized controlled trial was done to assess whether endotracheal suctioning of nonvigorous infants born through meconium stained amniotic fluid (MSAF) reduces the risk and complications of meconium aspiration syndrome (MAS). Term, nonvigorous babies born through MSAF were randomized to endotracheal suction or no suction groups (n=61 in each). Risks of MAS, complications of MAS and endotracheal suction, mortality, duration of neonatal intensive care unit stay, and neurodevelopmental outcome at 9 months were assessed. In total, 39 (32%) neonates developed MAS and 18 (14.8%) of them died. There were no significant differences in MAS, its severity and complications, mortality, and neurodevelopmental outcome for the two groups. One infant had a complication of endotracheal suctioning, which was mild and transient. The authors conclude that current practice of routine endotracheal suctioning for nonvigorous neonates born through MSAF should be further evaluated.