What to do if a newborn's respiratory function decreases after aspirating amniotic fluid
Mar 18, 2025
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Zhou Xiaofeng
Introduction
In general, if a newborn experiences reduced respiratory function after aspirating amniotic fluid, specific recommendations include timely airway clearance, oxygen therapy, medication treatment, positive pressure ventilation, endotracheal intubation, and suctioning. Managing decreased respiratory function following amniotic fluid aspiration in newborns requires a comprehensive approach using multiple treatment methods. Parents and medical staff should cooperate closely and follow the physician's recommendations based on the newborn's condition.
Generally, after a newborn aspirates amniotic fluid and experiences decreased respiratory function, specific recommendations include timely airway clearance, oxygen therapy, medication treatment, positive pressure ventilation, endotracheal intubation and suctioning for treatment. Detailed analysis is as follows:
1. Timely Airway Clearance
When a newborn aspirates amniotic fluid, the newborn's head should immediately be turned to one side, and the back gently patted to assist in coughing out the inhaled amniotic fluid. Negative pressure suction bulbs or catheters should be used promptly to clear the newborn's airway to ensure patency.
2. Oxygen Therapy
If the newborn experiences breathing difficulties or hypoxemia, oxygen can be administered via face mask or positive pressure ventilation using a ventilator to increase blood oxygen levels and maintain normal respiratory function. Oxygen saturation should be closely monitored during oxygen administration.
3. Medication Treatment
Depending on the newborn's condition, medications such as Cefixime Granules, Ambroxol Hydrochloride Solution for Inhalation, Salbutamol Sulfate Tablets, and Terbutaline Sulfate Nebulizer Solution may be used under a physician's guidance to relieve airway spasms and discomfort symptoms.
4. Positive Pressure Ventilation
When a newborn's respiratory function is severely impaired and normal breathing cannot be maintained, positive pressure ventilation assistance is required. A certain pressure is applied through the ventilator to assist the newborn's breathing. Vital signs should be closely monitored during use.
5. Endotracheal Intubation and Suctioning
If a newborn aspirates a large amount of amniotic fluid and airway clearance proves ineffective, endotracheal intubation may be necessary. Under medical guidance, endotracheal intubation can be performed, and suctioning through the catheter can remove amniotic fluid from deep within the lungs.
Decreased respiratory function in newborns after amniotic fluid aspiration requires comprehensive management using multiple treatment methods. Parents and medical staff should closely cooperate, selecting appropriate treatment methods based on the newborn's condition and physician recommendations to ensure the newborn's life safety. Preventive measures should also be taken to avoid amniotic fluid aspiration in newborns by strengthening prenatal care and antenatal examination efforts to reduce the risk of amniotic fluid aspiration.
References:
[1] Huang Yi, Zhao Jing, Hua Xintian, et al. Application Guidelines for Nasal High-Flow Oxygen Therapy in Newborns (2023)[J]. Chinese Journal of Evidence-Based Medicine, 2024, 24(04): 385-404.
[2] Cao Xiaokuan, Yao Shihan, Liu Zhengxi, et al. Clinical Effect of Nasal Continuous Positive Airway Pressure in Treating Neonatal Respiratory Distress and Its Impact on Respiratory Function, Blood Gas Parameters, and Transport[J]. Smart Healthcare, 2022, 8(30): 92-96.
