The Neonatal and Maternal Outcomes of Intrauterine Meconium Release at Term Pregnancy: a Case-cohort Study

Abstract

Meconium-stained amniotic fluid, which has a prevalence of 7 – 22% of all pregnancy cases, contributes to adverse fetal, neonatal, and maternal outcomes. The impacts of meconium-stained liquor on fetal, neonatal, and maternal outcomes cannot be underrated. There is a need to gather evidence in a Kenyan setting to determine the implications of meconium-stained liquor (MSL) on neonatal and maternal outcomes. Study objective: The main objective of the study was to assess the demographic, baseline medical characteristics, and obstetric factors associated with in-utero MSL release, and determine the neonatal and maternal outcomes among mothers with in-utero MSL during labor at Kenyatta National Hospital. Methodology: The study utilized a prospective cohort study design and compared the exposed group (women in labor with MSL) with the non-exposed group (women without MSL) at KNH in Nairobi, Kenya. The research involved a sample size of 162 participants for the exposed group and a similar sample for the non-exposed group. Research data was collected using a structured questionnaire and extraction of patient information from the patient’s files. The data was analyzed using descriptive statistics, Chi-square tests of association, and Multivariable logistic regression analysis. Results: A total of 162 women were recruited in the study, for each of the cases and controls therefore 324 participants were included in the study. In cases MSL and without MSL, the most common gravidity was between 1 to 2 represented by n=122, 75.31%, and n=84, 51.86%, respectively, while the least was ≥5 represented by n=1, 0.672%, and n=3, 1.85%, respectively...