Prenatal ultrasonographic diagnosis and prognosis of fetal meconium peritonitis

Objective To investigate the maternal and neonatal outcomes of fetal meconium peritonitis (FMP) cases with different ultrasonic manifestations. Methods The clinical data of 31 pregnant women with FMP diagnosed by prenatal ultrasound and confirmed by postnatal imaging examination in Guangzhou Women and Children's Medical Center from January 2011 to December 2018 were analyzed retrospectively. According to the last prenatal ultrasonographic findings, the 31 cases were classified into the following grades: grade 0 (three cases), grade 1 (20 cases, grade 1A: nine cases, grade 1B: three cases, grade 1C: eight cases), grade 2 (seven cases) and grade 3 (one case). All neonates were also divided into two groups: the operation group (19 cases) and conservative treatment group (12 cases) based on whether or not underwent surgery. Statistical methods were independent sample t-test and Chi-square test. Results (1) The gestational ages at the first diagnosis of FMP and birth of the operation group were both lower than those of the conservative treatment group [(29.9±4.5) vs (38.2±1.0) weeks, t=-6.202; (36.2±2.7) vs (38.2± 1.0) weeks, t=-2.426; both P<0.05]. (2) The operation rates in cases of grade 0, 1, 2 and 3 groups were 0/3, 55%(11/20), 7/7 and 1/1, respectively (χ2=10.136, P=0.017). However, the operation rates in grade 1A, 1B and 1C groups were 7/9, 1/3 and 3/8, respectively (χ2=3.446, P=0.179). Conclusions The rate of operation of FMP newborn was related to the gestational age of the first prenatal ultrasound diagnosis of FMP and the ultrasonic grade. The different grades of prenatal ultrasound in FMP cases can provide important information for guiding perinatal treatment. Key words: Peritonitis; Meconium; Ultrasonography, prenatal; Fetal diseases