Meconium aspiration syndrome: a role for phospholipase A(2) in the pathogenesis?

The pathophysiology of neonatal meconium aspiration syndrome (MAS), often r esulting in severe respiratory failure, is complex and still largely unclea r. Factors involved in the propagation of acute lung injury after perinatal aspiration of meconium include obstruction of the airways, ventilation/per fusion mismatch. increase of the pulmonary vascular resistance and a rapidl y developing parenchymal and alveolar inflammatory reaction with associated surfactant dysfunction. Conclusion: Although the early pulmonary inflammatory response is believed to play a central pathogenetic role in the meconium-induced acute lung dama ge, its initiating mechanisms are still poorly defined. However, increasing evidence indicates a direct toxic effect of meconium.