Prognosis
The course of MAS may vary from mild to moderate disease to a severe form leading to death, unless prompt appropriate intervention is provided. In most infants (80%), the course of illness is short, lasting 3 to 4 days, after which they are discharged home.[9] About 9% of patients are transferred to level III+ intensive care units. Most of these infants spend 1 to 2 weeks under respiratory support and are discharged home; 5% require oxygen support at discharge (at 28 days of life), and 4.9% developed seizures.[9]
Long-term outcome
Long-term follow-up studies suggest that MAS infants may have several neurological developmental disabilities, particularly if they have experienced in utero hypoxia.[70] The development of reactive airway disease is also a long-term effect of neonatal MAS.[71]
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