1Department of Paediatrics, Symbiosis Medical College for Women & Symbiosis University Hospital and Research Centre, Symbiosis International (Deemed University), Lavale, Pune, Maharashtra - 412115, India
2Associate Professor, Department of Paediatrics, Symbiosis Medical College for Women & Symbiosis University Hospital and Research Centre, Symbiosis International (Deemed University), Pune, Maharashtra - 412115, India. Email: nitin.lingayat@smcw.siu.edu.in
3Department of Paediatrics, Symbiosis Medical College for Women & Symbiosis University Hospital and Research Centre, Symbiosis International (Deemed University), Lavale, Pune, Maharashtra - 412115, India
*Corresponding Author: Dr. Nitin Sitaram Lingayat, Associate Professor, Department of Paediatrics, Symbiosis Medical College for Women & Symbiosis University Hospital and Research Centre, Symbiosis International (Deemed University), Pune, Maharashtra - 412115, India. Email: nitin.lingayat@smcw.siu.edu.in
Received: 16th Dec, 2025; Revised: 8th Feb 2026; Accepted: 12th Feb, 2026; Available Online: 28th Feb, 2026
Background: Meconium-stained amniotic fluid (MSAF), resulting from in utero passage of meconium, often indicates fetal distress and is associated with a range of maternal risk factors and serious neonatal complications, including meconium aspiration syndrome (MAS), frequently requiring neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) admission. This study describes the clinical profile of NICU-admitted neonates with MSAF in a rural tertiary care hospital, with a specific focus on MAS.
Methods: A retrospective observational study of 60 neonates admitted to NICU with MSAF was conducted at a rural tertiary care hospital. Maternal and neonatal data were analyzed with descriptive statistics, t-tests, Chi-square/Fisher's exact and regression analysis, with p ≤ 0.05 considered statistically significant.
Results: Of 60 neonates with MSAF were included, 53.4% developed MAS. Maternal pregnancy-induced hypertension (25%) and anemia (35%) were significantly associated with lower neonatal birth weights (p<0.05). Most infants were term (85%) with 45% low birth weight. Respiratory distress was the strongest MAS predictor (p<0.001), with additional association with low 1-min APGAR (p=0.011), clinical sepsis (p=0.031), and need for oxygen therapy, CPAP, and caffeine (p<0.05). Mean NICU stay was 7.3 ± 7.2 days, with lower gestational age predicting longer stay (p<0.001).
Conclusions: High rates of MAS highlight the need for careful perinatal monitoring and timely respiratory support. Addressing maternal conditions such as anemia and PIH will reduce neonatal vulnerability and improve outcomes in such a high-risk MSAF cohort.
Keywords: Meconium-Stained Amniotic Fluid, Meconium Aspiration Syndrome, Neonates, Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, Rural Hospital
How to cite this article: Kaushal A, Lingayat NS*, Kher A, Clinical Profile of NICU Admitted Neonates Born to Mothers with Meconium-Stained Amniotic Fluid in a Tertiary Care Hospital: A Retrospective Observational Study. Int J Drug Deliv Technol. 2026; 16(2): 387-396; DOI: 10.25258/ijddt.16.2.43
Source of support: Nil.
Conflict of interest: None