Meconium-stained amniotic fluid: discharge vigorous newborns.

Background: Most infants born through meconium-stained amniotic fluid (MSAF) are observed clinically for 24 h postnatally. Only 5% of infants born through MSAF develop the meconium aspiration syndrome (MAS), a serious condition requiring medical intervention.

Objective: To evaluate the value of 24-h postnatal observation of infants born through MSAF.

Methods: A cohort of 394 term neonates born through MSAF was studied. Data were collected on Apgar scores, the development of MAS and other perinatal factors.

Results: Nineteen of the 394 (4.8%) infants born through MSAF developed MAS. 298 (76%) infants had a 5-minute Apgar score (5'AS) of >or=9. In this group the number of infants developing MAS (1; 0.3%) was significantly lower compared with the 5'AS

Conclusions: MAS develops rarely in infants born through MSAF with 5'AS above 8. These infants can be safely discharged from the hospital shortly after birth.