Meconium aspiration syndrome continues to be a serious
problem among infants born at term or beyond. It is
estimated that there are 25,000 –35,000 annual cases in the
United States, with 30 –50% of affected infants requiring
mechanical ventilation. Air leaks are common, with pneumothorax
reported in 15–20%. Mortality ranges from
4 –7%. About two thirds of infants with persistent pulmonary
hypertension of the newborn have meconium-stained
amniotic fluid, and about half of the infants with persistent
pulmonary hypertension of the newborn have the concurrent
diagnosis of meconium aspiration syndrome.2