Neonatal Outcomes since the Implementation of No Routine Endotracheal Suctioning of Meconium-Stained Nonvigorous Neonates

Abstract

Objective This study aimed to evaluate the effect of the 2015 Neonatal Resuscitation Program recommendations of no routine endotracheal suctioning for nonvigorous neonates on the incidence of meconium aspiration syndrome (MAS) and death. We hypothesized that the revised guidelines have not changed the outcome of MAS/death. Study Design This was a single-center retrospective cohort study. We recorded data on nonvigorous neonates born at gestational age > 37 weeks, who were divided into period 1, n = 95 (before the new guidelines, January 1, 2013–December 31, 2015) and prospective period 2, n = 91 (after the implementation of new guidelines, January 1, 2017–December 31, 2020). Primary outcomes included MAS and death. Secondary outcomes included respiratory neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) admission, length of NICU stay, and feeding difficulties. Results No significant differences in the occurrence of MAS (11 vs. 17%) (odds ratio [OR] of 1.46 [95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.59–3.55]) or death (1 vs. 3%) (OR of 2.00 [95% CI: 0.18–21.57]) among the two periods were observed. In period 2, there was an increased NICU respiratory admission (37 vs. 61%), with an OR of 2.31 (95% CI: 1.10–4.84). More neonates in period 2 required subsequent intubation for respiratory failure in the delivery room (12 vs. 28%) with an OR of 2.03 (95% CI: 1.02–4.51); p-value of 0.05. Conclusion Our study did not observe a significant difference in the incidence of MAS or death between the two periods since the 2015 guidelines. However, the incidence of NICU respiratory admission increased. Key Points