Much more likely is partial airway obstruction with peripheral air trapping, often leading to air leak complications. Longer term, exposure of the smaller airways and alveoli to the necrotizing effects of meconium can result in chemical pneumonitis with alveolar collapse and cellular necrosis. This results in increased airway reactivity and a generalized obstructive phenomenon that usually resolves slowly during the first year of life. Treatment is optimized to clear the aspirated amniotic fluid and meconium by immediate postnatal suctioning before the meconium disseminates peripherally. Meconium throughout the airways causing chemical pneumonitis with alveolar collapse and necrosis.
Pleural effusions are often present.
Hyaline Membrane Disease - usually has a uniform distribution of pulmonary opacities, never has pleural effusions, has a decreased lung volume. Transient Tachypnea of the Newborn - usually has non homogeneous densities, may have pleural fluid. All rights reserved.