Ali-Dikole, Masida Linda2023-05-082023-05-082022https://hdl.handle.net/10539/35467A research report submitted in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Medicine in Paediatrics to the Faculty of Health Sciences, School of Clinical Medicine, University of Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, 2022Objective: This study aimed to determine the incidence, clinical characteristics, management and outcomes of neonates born through meconium-stained amniotic fluid (MSAF) and those admitted with meconium aspiration syndrome (MAS). Study design: This was a retrospective study conducted in a tertiary hospital in Johannesburg, South Africa. All neonates born through MSAF, and those admitted with MAS, from January to June 2018 were included. Results: Incidence of neonates born through MSAF was 44/1000 live births. The median birth weight was 3125 grams and median gestational age was 39 weeks. Forty-eight percent required resuscitation and 55.5% required admission. The incidence of MAS was 10/1000 live births, with 32% requiring invasive ventilation. Mortality in neonates exposed to MSAF was 2.5%, and 9.3% in those with MAS. Conclusion: The high observed incidence of MSAF and MAS, with associated mortality, necessitate effective intrapartum monitoring and appropriate postnatal management of infants exposed to MSAF to improve outcomes.enDissertation