Meconium Aspiration Syndrome Differential Diagnoses

Updated: Jun 28, 2023
  • Author: Gina M Geis, MD; Chief Editor: Dharmendra J Nimavat, MD, FAAP  more...
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DDx

Diagnostic Considerations

Important considerations

Many infants who have experienced meconium aspiration syndrome (MAS) have had prenatal and postnatal periods of hypoxia and acidosis; therefore, these individuals are at increased risk of significant central nervous system (CNS) damage.

Typically, medicolegal action is initiated by parents whose newborn develops long-term sequelae from significant perinatal hypoxia. Although the delivering physician is the primary focus of such a lawsuit, additional liability to other healthcare professionals may ensue from a poorly planned and executed resuscitation.

Providers of the tertiary intensive care may also be included in these lawsuits, usually due to complications of necessary complex and aggressive care.

Differential Diagnoses