Meconium aspiration in South Africa.

This retrospective study of 569 cases of meconium aspiration from 11 institutions in South Africa reveals a high incidence varying from 4 to 11/1,000 and a mortality rate of 12%. Mortality was significantly related to the degree of asphyxia at birth. Twenty-five per cent of the babies (136/569) required intensive care and 36% died. Of the mothers 18-25% were unbooked and most of the babies were inborn (87%). Babies born to primiparous mothers and to mothers over 35 years of age were at greater risk of death. In order to reduce mortality and the numbers admitted to the intensive care unit simple measures for the reduction in the incidence of this disease need to be emphasised in all teaching and training programmes.