Which statement about treatment for meconium aspiration syndrome (MAS) is true?

• A. Arterial oxygen tensions should be kept relatively low to minimize oxygen toxicity
• B. Exogenous surfactant should be considered in severe MAS
• C. Inhaled or systemic steroids should be given to decrease pulmonary inflammation
• D. Antibiotics are the only required therapy

Answer: (D)

Meconium exposure disrupts lung function by causing airway plugging and surfactant inactivation, so the main focus of treatment is to restore effective gas exchange and lung compliance. In severe MAS, giving exogenous surfactant can markedly improve oxygenation and lung mechanics by replenishing deficient surfactant and helping reopen collapsed alveoli. Antibiotics are not automatically required for all MAS cases; they’re added only if there’s concern for concurrent infection or sepsis. Steroids aren’t routinely used for MAS, and oxygenation should be carefully managed to avoid toxicity while ensuring adequate tissue oxygen delivery. Therefore, the statement that exogenous surfactant should be considered in severe MAS is true.