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The in utero passage of meconium by very low birth weight infants: a marker for adverse outcomes

Journal of Perinatology volume 26, pages 125–129 (2006)Cite this article

Abstract

Objectives:

To determine the incidence of in utero meconium passage and the rate of associated complications among VLBW infants.

Study design:

Retrospective review of medical records and prospective evaluation of placental samples from 431 VLBW infants who survived >24 h. Cases with histologic evidence of meconium were re-examined and hemosiderin excluded by a negative iron stain. Statistical analysis included χ2, logistic regression, Student's t-test and Kruskal–Wallis.

Results:

The 70 infants (16.2%) who had placental evidence of in utero meconium passage were younger, weighed less, and more likely to be delivered by C-section (P=0.006), intubated in the delivery room (P=0.02), receive chest compressions (P=0.003), require volume resuscitation (P=0.001) and develop grade III–IV intraventricular hemorrhages (P=0.011) than were control infants.

Conclusion:

Microscopic evaluation of the placental membranes reveals that the in utero passage of meconium occurs in about 16% of premature infants and is associated with adverse perinatal outcomes, including the need for resuscitation at delivery and an increased risk for grade III–IV intraventricular hemorrhages.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine and Magee-Womens Research Institute, Pittsburgh, PA, USA

    J A Henry & T D Yanowitz

  2. BSN, CRNP, Magee-Womens Research Institute, Pittsburgh, PA, USA

    R W Baker

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  1. J A Henry
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  2. R W Baker
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  3. T D Yanowitz
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Correspondence to J A Henry.

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Henry, J., Baker, R. & Yanowitz, T. The in utero passage of meconium by very low birth weight infants: a marker for adverse outcomes. J Perinatol 26, 125–129 (2006). https://doi.org/10.1038/sj.jp.7211435

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1038/sj.jp.7211435

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