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Osman A, Halling C, Crume M, Al Tabosh H, Odackal N, Ball MK. Meconium aspiration syndrome: a comprehensive review. J Perinatol 2023; 43:1211-1221. [PMID: 37543651 DOI: 10.1038/s41372-023-01708-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2023] [Revised: 06/02/2023] [Accepted: 06/19/2023] [Indexed: 08/07/2023]
Abstract
Meconium aspiration syndrome (MAS) is a complex respiratory disease that continues to be associated with significant morbidities and mortality. The pathophysiological mechanisms of MAS include airway obstruction, local and systemic inflammation, surfactant inactivation and persistent pulmonary hypertension of the newborn (PPHN). Supplemental oxygen and non-invasive respiratory support are the main therapies for many patients. The management of the patients requiring invasive mechanical ventilation could be challenging because of the combination of atelectasis and air trapping. While studies have explored various ventilatory modalities, evidence to date does not clearly support any singular modality as superior. Patient's pathophysiology, symptom severity, and clinician/unit expertise should guide the respiratory management. Early identification and concomitant management of PPHN is critically important as it contributes significantly to mortality and morbidities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ahmed Osman
- Department of Pediatrics, The Ohio State University and Nationwide Children's Hospital, Columbus, OH, 43205, USA.
| | - Cecilie Halling
- Department of Pediatrics, The Ohio State University and Nationwide Children's Hospital, Columbus, OH, 43205, USA
| | - Mary Crume
- Neonatal-Perinatal Fellowship Program, The Ohio State University and Nationwide Children's Hospital, Columbus, OH, 43205, USA
| | - Hayat Al Tabosh
- Pediatrics Residency Program, The Ohio State University and Nationwide Children's Hospital, Columbus, OH, 43205, USA
| | - Namrita Odackal
- Department of Pediatrics, The Ohio State University and Nationwide Children's Hospital, Columbus, OH, 43205, USA
| | - Molly K Ball
- Department of Pediatrics, The Ohio State University and Nationwide Children's Hospital, Columbus, OH, 43205, USA
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Periasamy U, Salvador A, Janeczko M. Pattern of Inflammatory Markers and Use of Antibiotics in Meconium Aspiration Syndrome: A Retrospective Cohort Study. Cureus 2023; 15:e44921. [PMID: 37814760 PMCID: PMC10560562 DOI: 10.7759/cureus.44921] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 09/08/2023] [Indexed: 10/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Objectives To study the pattern of inflammatory markers in meconium aspiration syndrome (MAS) and their correlation with illness severity/antibiotic usage. Study design This is a retrospective analysis of neonates who were admitted with MAS and had inflammatory markers done during the first week of life. Results Seventy-six neonates with MAS were identified. White cell count (WCC), absolute neutrophil count (ANC), and immature to total neutrophil count (I/T) ratio peaked at 12 and CRP (43.75 mg/dl) at 48 hours of life (HOL). Neonates needing nasal cannula oxygen had lower CRP at 12 (p=0.035) and 24 HOL (p=0.046). There was no correlation between CRP at 48 HOL and score for neonatal acute physiology and perinatal extension II (SNAPPE-II; R2 0.0004). High CRP at 24 HOL was associated with longer duration of antibiotics (p<0.001) despite no correlation with the blood cultures. Conclusion MAS was associated with inflammatory markers peaking at 12 to 48 HOL; however, antibiotics should not be determined based on them as their correlation for illness severity or blood culture is poor.
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Affiliation(s)
- Uvaraj Periasamy
- Anesthesiology and Critical Care, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, USA
| | - Agnes Salvador
- Pediatrics and Neonatology, Einstein Medical Center Philadelphia, Philadelphia, USA
| | - Michael Janeczko
- Pediatrics and Neonatology, Einstein Medical Center Philadelphia, Philadelphia, USA
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Meconium Aspiration Syndrome in Animal Models: Inflammatory Process, Apoptosis, and Surfactant Inactivation. Animals (Basel) 2022; 12:ani12233310. [PMID: 36496831 PMCID: PMC9740025 DOI: 10.3390/ani12233310] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/12/2022] [Revised: 11/18/2022] [Accepted: 11/24/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Meconium Aspiration Syndrome is a condition that causes respiratory distress in newborns due to occlusion and airway inflammation, and surfactant inactivation by meconium. This condition has been described in animal species such as canids, sheep, cattle, horses, pigs, and marine mammals. In its pathogenesis, the pulmonary epithelium activates a limited inflammatory response initiated by cytokines causing leukocyte chemotaxis, inhibition of phagocytosis, and pathogen destruction. Likewise, cytokines release participates in the apoptosis processes of pneumocytes due to the interaction of angiotensin with cytokines and the caspase pathway. Due to these reactions, the prevalent signs are lung injury, hypoxia, acidosis, and pneumonia with susceptibility to infection. Given the importance of the pathophysiological mechanism of meconium aspiration syndrome, this review aims to discuss the relevance of the syndrome in veterinary medicine. The inflammatory processes caused by meconium aspiration in animal models will be analyzed, and the cellular apoptosis and biochemical processes of pulmonary surfactant inactivation will be discussed.
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Hao LX, Wang F. Effectiveness of high-frequency oscillatory ventilation for the treatment of neonatal meconium aspiration syndrome. Medicine (Baltimore) 2019; 98:e17622. [PMID: 31651876 PMCID: PMC6824716 DOI: 10.1097/md.0000000000017622] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The purpose of this study is to raise nonjudgmental awareness and attention to current experience of high-frequency oscillatory ventilation (HFOV) for the treatment of neonatal meconium aspiration syndrome (NMAS). METHODS We will comprehensively search literature from the databases of Cochrane Library, PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, WorldSciNet, PsycINFO, Allied and Complementary Medicine Database, Chinese Biomedical Literature Database, and China National Knowledge Infrastructure from inception until July 1, 2019 without language limitation. We will also handle searching the bibliographies of all relevant studies found for unpublished literatures. Statistical analysis will be conducted using RevMan 5.3 software. RESULTS The outcomes include function inhaled oxygen concentration, oxygenation index, arterial oxygen tension/alveolar arterial oxygen tension, partial pressure of oxygen, partial pressure of carbon dioxide, transcutaneous arterial oxygen saturation, duration of hospitalization, and adverse events. CONCLUSION This study will provide an exhaustive view of HFOV for treating infants with NMAS. PROSPERO REGISTRATION NUMBER PROSPERO CRD42019140520.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Fei Wang
- Department of Ophthalmology, Yan’an University Affiliated Hospital, Yan’an, China
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Activation of Toll-like receptors in meconium aspiration syndrome. J Perinatol 2018; 38:137-141. [PMID: 29095429 DOI: 10.1038/jp.2017.169] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/20/2017] [Revised: 08/24/2017] [Accepted: 09/11/2017] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Meconium aspiration syndrome (MAS) is a common cause of neonatal morbidity and mortality. Incomplete understanding of the pathogenesis of MAS has hindered the development of specific therapies. We hypothesized that activation of Toll-like receptors (TLRs) might play a role in the pathogenesis of MAS. The present study evaluated the expression of TLR 1, 4, 7, 8 and 9 in neonates with MAS. STUDY DESIGN The study included 39 neonates with MAS and 17 healthy gestational age-matched neonates as controls. Neonates with maternal chorioamnionitis, perinatal asphyxia, sepsis and congenital malformations were excluded. Good-quality total RNA from umbilical cord blood was reverse transcribed to prepare cDNA using Bio-Rad reverse transcription kit. This cDNA was used to study the expression status of TLR 1, 4, 7, 8 and 9 by real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction. RESULTS Compared with controls, TLR1 and TLR4 were highly expressed, TLR9 was moderately expressed, TLR7 was weakly expressed and TLR8 expression was neutral in neonates with MAS. Within the MAS group, no difference in TLR expression was observed with respect to consistency of meconium, severity of the disease, oxygenation index and outcome. CONCLUSION There is activation of TLRs in neonates with MAS. We speculate that these TLRs probably act as endogenous ligands for various components of meconium that initiate the inflammatory cascade of MAS and contribute to its pathogenesis.
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Mikolka P, Kopincova J, Kosutova P, Kolomaznik M, Calkovska A, Mokra D. Anti-IL-8 antibody potentiates the effect of exogenous surfactant in respiratory failure caused by meconium aspiration. Exp Lung Res 2018; 44:40-50. [PMID: 29324051 DOI: 10.1080/01902148.2017.1420272] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
AIM Meconium aspiration syndrome (MAS) is life-threatening respiratory failure of newborns which can be treated by exogenous surfactant. In response to meconium, increased levels of chemokine IL-8 (CXCL8) stimulate massive neutrophil infiltration of the lungs. Local accumulation and activation of neutrophils, on-going inflammation, lung edema, and oxidative damage contribute to inactivation of endogenous and therapeutically given surfactants. Therefore, we have hypothesized that addition of monoclonal anti-IL-8 antibody into exogenous surfactant can mitigate the neutrophil-induced local injury and the secondary surfactant inactivation and may finally result in improvement of respiratory functions. METHODS New Zealand rabbits with intratracheal meconium-induced respiratory failure (meconium 25 mg/ml, 4 ml/kg) were divided into three groups: untreated (M), surfactant-treated (M + S), and treated with combination of surfactant and anti-IL-8 antibody (M + S + anti-IL-8). Surfactant therapy consisted of two lung lavages with diluted porcine surfactant Curosurf (10 ml/kg, 5 mg phospholipids (PL)/ml) followed by undiluted Curosurf (100 mg PL/kg) delivered by means of asymmetric high-frequency jet ventilation (f. 300/min, Ti 20%). In M + S + anti-IL-8 group, anti-IL-8 antibody (100 µg/kg) was added directly to Curosurf dose. Animals were oxygen-ventilated for additional 5 h, respiratory parameters were measured regularly. Subsequently, cell counts in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BAL), lung edema formation, oxidative damage, levels of interleukins (IL)-1β and IL-6 in the lung homogenate were evaluated. RESULTS Surfactant instillation significantly improved lung function. Addition of anti-IL-8 to surfactant further improved gas exchange and ventilation efficiency and had longer-lasting effect than surfactant-only therapy. Combined treatment showed the trend to reduce neutrophil count in BAL fluid, local oxidative damage, and levels of IL-1β and IL-6 more effectively than surfactant-alone, however, these differences were not significant. CONCLUSION Addition of anti-IL-8 antibody to surfactant could potentiate the efficacy of Curosurf on the gas exchange in experimental model of MAS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pavol Mikolka
- a Biomedical Center Martin and Department of Physiology , Jessenius Faculty of Medicine in Martin, Comenius University in Bratislava , Martin , Slovakia
| | - Jana Kopincova
- a Biomedical Center Martin and Department of Physiology , Jessenius Faculty of Medicine in Martin, Comenius University in Bratislava , Martin , Slovakia
| | - Petra Kosutova
- a Biomedical Center Martin and Department of Physiology , Jessenius Faculty of Medicine in Martin, Comenius University in Bratislava , Martin , Slovakia
| | - Maros Kolomaznik
- a Biomedical Center Martin and Department of Physiology , Jessenius Faculty of Medicine in Martin, Comenius University in Bratislava , Martin , Slovakia
| | - Andrea Calkovska
- a Biomedical Center Martin and Department of Physiology , Jessenius Faculty of Medicine in Martin, Comenius University in Bratislava , Martin , Slovakia
| | - Daniela Mokra
- a Biomedical Center Martin and Department of Physiology , Jessenius Faculty of Medicine in Martin, Comenius University in Bratislava , Martin , Slovakia
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Kopincova J, Calkovska A. Meconium-induced inflammation and surfactant inactivation: specifics of molecular mechanisms. Pediatr Res 2016; 79:514-21. [PMID: 26679157 DOI: 10.1038/pr.2015.265] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/02/2015] [Accepted: 10/03/2015] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
This review summarizes neonatal meconium aspiration syndrome in light of meconium-induced inflammation and inflammatory surfactant inactivation, related to both endogenous and therapeutic exogenous surfactant. The wide effect of meconium on surfactant properties is divided into three points. Direct effect of meconium on surfactant properties refers mainly to fragmentation of dipalmitoylphosphatidylcholine and other surfactant phospholipids together with cleavage of surfactant proteins. Initiation of inflammatory response due to activation of receptors by yet unspecified compounds involves complement and Toll-like receptor activation. A possible role of lung collectins, surfactant proteins A and D, which can exert both pro- and anti-inflammatory reactions, is discussed. Initiation of inflammatory response by specified compounds in meconium reflects inflammatory functioning of cytokines, bile acids, and phospholipases contained in meconium. Unifying sketch of many interconnections in all these actions aims at providing integrated picture of inflammatory surfactant inactivation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jana Kopincova
- Department of Physiology and Martin Biomedical Centre, Jessenius Faculty of Medicine in Martin, Comenius University in Bratislava, Slovak Republic
| | - Andrea Calkovska
- Department of Physiology and Martin Biomedical Centre, Jessenius Faculty of Medicine in Martin, Comenius University in Bratislava, Slovak Republic
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Haakonsen Lindenskov PH, Castellheim A, Saugstad OD, Mollnes TE. Meconium aspiration syndrome: possible pathophysiological mechanisms and future potential therapies. Neonatology 2015; 107:225-230. [PMID: 25721501 DOI: 10.1159/000369373] [Citation(s) in RCA: 53] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/08/2014] [Accepted: 10/28/2014] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
Does meconium cause meconium aspiration syndrome (MAS) or is meconium discharge only a marker of fetal hypoxia? This dispute has lasted for centuries, but since the 1960s, detrimental effects of meconium itself on the lungs have been demonstrated in animal experiments. In clinical MAS, persistent pulmonary hypertension of the newborn is the leading cause of death in MAS. Regarding the complex chemical composition of meconium, it is difficult to identify a single agent responsible for the pathophysiology. However, considering that meconium is stored in the intestines, partly unexposed to the immune system, aspirated meconium could be recognized as ‘danger', representing damaged self. The common denominator in the pathophysiology could therefore be activation of innate immunity. Thus, a bulk of evidence implies that meconium is a potent activator of inflammatory mediators, including cytokines, complement, prostaglandins and reactive oxygen species. We hypothesize that the two main recognition systems of innate immunity, the Toll-like receptors and the complement system, recognize meconium as ‘danger', which leads not only to lung dysfunction but also to a systemic inflammatory response. This might have therapeutic implications in the future.
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Romero R, Yoon BH, Chaemsaithong P, Cortez J, Park CW, Gonzalez R, Behnke E, Hassan SS, Gotsch F, Yeo L, Chaiworapongsa T. Secreted phospholipase A2 is increased in meconium-stained amniotic fluid of term gestations: potential implications for the genesis of meconium aspiration syndrome. J Matern Fetal Neonatal Med 2014; 27:975-83. [PMID: 24063538 DOI: 10.3109/14767058.2013.847918] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Meconium-stained amniotic fluid (MSAF) represents the passage of fetal colonic content into the amniotic cavity. Meconium aspiration syndrome (MAS) is a complication that occurs in a subset of infants with MSAF. Secreted phospholipase A2 (sPLA2) is detected in meconium and is implicated in the development of MAS. The purpose of this study was to determine if sPLA2 concentrations are increased in the amniotic fluid of women in spontaneous labor at term with MSAF. MATERIALS AND METHODS This was a cross-sectional study of patients in spontaneous term labor who underwent amniocentesis (n = 101). The patients were divided into two study groups: (1) MSAF (n = 61) and (2) clear fluid (n = 40). The presence of bacteria and endotoxin as well as interleukin-6 (IL-6) and sPLA2 concentrations in the amniotic fluid were determined. Statistical analyses were performed to test for normality and bivariate analysis. The Spearman correlation coefficient was used to study the relationship between sPLA2 and IL-6 concentrations in the amniotic fluid. RESULTS Patients with MSAF have a higher median sPLA2 concentration (ng/mL) in amniotic fluid than those with clear fluid [1.7 (0.98-2.89) versus 0.3 (0-0.6), p < 0.001]. Among patients with MSAF, those with either microbial invasion of the amniotic cavity (MIAC, defined as presence of bacteria in the amniotic cavity), or bacterial endotoxin had a significantly higher median sPLA2 concentration (ng/mL) in amniotic fluid than those without MIAC or endotoxin [2.4 (1.7-6.0) versus 1.7 (1.3-2.5), p < 0.05]. There was a positive correlation between sPLA2 and IL-6 concentrations in the amniotic fluid (Spearman Rho = 0.3, p < 0.05). CONCLUSION MSAF that contains bacteria or endotoxin has a higher concentration of sPLA2, and this may contribute to induce lung inflammation when meconium is aspirated before birth.
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Affiliation(s)
- Roberto Romero
- Perinatology Research Branch, NICHD/NIH/DHHS , Bethesda, MD and Detroit, MI , USA
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Salvesen B, Curstedt T, Mollnes TE, Saugstad OD. Effects of Natural versus Synthetic Surfactant with SP-B and SP-C Analogs in a Porcine Model of Meconium Aspiration Syndrome. Neonatology 2014; 105:128-35. [PMID: 24356240 DOI: 10.1159/000356065] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2013] [Accepted: 09/28/2013] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Meconium displaces surfactant from the alveolar surface and inhibits its function. The development of active synthetic surfactants is complicated, especially to synthesize the hydrophobic surfactant proteins SP-B and SP-C. A synthetic surfactant, CHF5633 containing SP-B and SP-C analogs, has been designed to act similarly to the natural surfactant poractant alfa. OBJECTIVE To test the resistance to meconium inactivation of CHF5633 compared to poractant alfa. Secondary outcome measurements were respiratory and inflammatory parameters. METHODS Twenty-six newborn pigs, bodyweight 1.4-2.0 kg were randomized to receive either poractant alfa or CHF5633. After anesthesia, surgery and final stabilization, meconium was instilled endotracheally followed by surfactant. Bronchial lavage fluid was obtained before intervention and every second hour. Respiratory parameters were registered and blood samples drawn before intervention and every hour. RESULTS Surfactant was inactivated in both groups 6 h after meconium instillation, but CHF5633 was more resistant than poractant alfa in terms of lipid peroxidation. Respiratory parameters were similar in both groups. Inflammatory and hemostatic parameters differed between groups, suggesting that the surfactants may play different roles in the meconium-induced inflammatory process. Due to the differential effects and complex pattern observed, the data do not indicate that one of the surfactants was superior with respect to inflammatory and hemostatic responses. CONCLUSION This study indicates that CHF5633 is as efficient as poractant alfa in experimental meconium aspiration syndrome.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bodil Salvesen
- Department of Pediatric Research, Oslo University Hospital, Rikshospitalet and University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
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Spectrophotometric Analysis in Umbilical Cords of Infants with Meconium Aspiration Syndrome. J Membr Biol 2013; 246:525-8. [DOI: 10.1007/s00232-013-9562-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/14/2013] [Accepted: 05/13/2013] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
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Turhan AH, Atıcı A, Muşlu N, Polat A, Helvacı İ. The effects of pentoxifylline on lung inflammation in a rat model of meconium aspiration syndrome. Exp Lung Res 2012; 38:250-5. [PMID: 22489651 DOI: 10.3109/01902148.2012.676704] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022]
Abstract
To examine the effects of pentoxifylline (PTX) on regional pulmonary and systemic inflammation after meconium aspiration, we studied 26 anesthetized and ventilated adult rats for 3 hours. Seventeen rats were instilled with human meconium (1.5 mL/kg, 65 mg/mL) intratracheally. After instillation of meconium, PTX (20 mg/kg, i.a.; n = 9) or saline (n = 8) was given to the subjects. Nine rats that were ventilated and not instilled with meconium served as sham group. Meconium instillation resulted in increased bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) fluid tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α; P = 0.004 and P = 0.002, respectively), protein (P = 0.005 and P = 0.001, respectively) levels, and arterial oxygenation index (OI) in PTX and saline groups. PTX treatment prevented the increase of BAL fluid TNF-α, protein concentrations, and OI in the meconium-instilled lungs but had no statistically significant effect. These results indicate that meconium aspiration induces severe inflammation in the lung. PTX treatment affects the TNF-α production in the lungs and it may attenuate meconium-induced derangements.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ali Haydar Turhan
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Neonatology, School of Medicine, University of Mersin, Mersin, Turkey.
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Meconium-induced release of cytokines is mediated by the TRL4/MD-2 complex in a CD14-dependent manner. Mol Immunol 2010; 47:1226-34. [DOI: 10.1016/j.molimm.2009.12.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/13/2009] [Revised: 12/21/2009] [Accepted: 12/23/2009] [Indexed: 01/22/2023]
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Kääpä PO. Meconium aspiration syndrome (MAS) - Where do we go? Research perspectives. Early Hum Dev 2009; 85:627-9. [PMID: 19819652 DOI: 10.1016/j.earlhumdev.2009.09.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/23/2009] [Accepted: 09/24/2009] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
The pathogenetic cascade of meconium aspiration syndrome (MAS) in newborn infants is complex and still incompletely studied. The variable clinical presentation of MAS is basically connected with variation of the amount and consistency of aspirated meconium and also its distribution within the affected lungs. The contributing role of other factors, like intrauterine fetal compromises, lung maturity at the time of insult as well as direct and indirect effects of meconium and its components on the lung alveolar and vascular integrity and development, remains to be studied in further detail. Better understanding of the lung injury processes in MAS, specifically inflammatory injury and non-inflammatory apoptosis and their interplay, may offer new possibilities to treat the severely affected infants, and needs therefore to be explored. Systemic dispersion of intrapulmonary meconium and its components may further induce inflammatory circulatory changes and injurious effects in distant organs, but the mechanisms and clinical significance of these systemic complications are still poorly known. It is thus evident that lung injury processes and potent long-term consequences in various extrapulmonary organs, specifically the brain, as well as development of new approaches to their treatment and prevention form great challenges for future research of MAS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pekka O Kääpä
- Department of Pediatrics and Research Centre of Applied and Preventive Cardiovascular Medicine, University of Turku, Kiinamyllynkatu 10, FIN-20520 Turku, Finland.
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