OBJECTIVE: A review of meconium pathophysiology and its contribution to the incidence of postnatal neurological handicap. DESIGN: Reviewed article. SETTING: Department of Gynaecology and Obstetrics, Charles University and Faculty Hospital Plzen, Czech Republic. SUBJECT AND METHOD: Meconium can be a cause of infant neurological handicap. Two main pathogenetic pathways are mentioned. 1. Meconium (and its components: bile acids) may have a direct vasoconstrictive effect on umbilical and placental vessels. This way still remains controversial. 2. Meconium as a possible cause of intraamniotic infection results in a release of fetal cytokines (TNF alpha, IL-1 beta, IL-6), which can damage myelinogenesis in periventricular white matter. RESULTS: Meconium in premature labour is a higher risk factor compared to term delivery. 41% of premature infants were diagnosed as having CP when meconium was present compared to 10% in the same group with clear amniotic fluid. The incidence in term pregnancy with meconium present is 0.4% compared to 0.3% in a population without any obstetrical risk. CONCLUSION: Ultrasonographically found periventricular leukomalacia is the most reliable sign of subsequent cerebral palsy or other neurological sequelae.

Gynek porod klinika LF UK a FN Plzen