Predictors of mortality in neonates with meconium aspiration syndrome.

OBJECTIVE To identify risk factors for mortality in neonates with meconium aspiration syndrome. METHODS All neonates (2004-2010) with meconium aspiration syndrome, irrespective of gestation were included. Risk factors were compared between those who died and survived. RESULTS Out of 172 included neonates, 44 (26%) died. Mean (SD) gestation and birth weight were 37.9 (2.3) weeks and 2545 (646g), respectively. Myocardial dysfunction [aOR 28.4; 95% CI (8.0-101); P<0.001] and higher initial oxygen requirement [aOR 1.04; 95% CI (1.02-1.07); P<0.001] increased odds of dying while a higher birth weight [aOR 0.998; 95% CI (0.997-1.00); P=0.005] reduced the odds of dying. CONCLUSIONS Meconium aspiration syndrome is associated with significant mortality. Myocardial dysfunction, birth weight, and initial oxygen requirement are independent predictors of mortality.