Evaluation of lung lavage in meconium aspiration syndrome

INTERVENTION: Lung lavage with 30 ml/kg surfactant solution (5mgs/ml), administered in 2 aliquots, each lasting 1 minute (under 10 minutes for entire procedure), within 24 hours after birth. CONDITION: Meconium aspiration syndrome PRIMARY OUTCOME: Total duration of respiratory support (ventilation plus nasal continuous positive airway pressure) during initial hospitalisation SECONDARY OUTCOME: Duration of oxygen therapy Incidence of pneumothorax Intubation and hospitalisation Mortality Neurodevelopmental outcome Respiratory morbidity INCLUSION CRITERIA: Neonates (males and females)with confirmed diagnosis of meconium aspiration syndrome with all of the following:1. birth weight >2.0kgs, gestation >36 weeks.2. <24 hours of age3. ventilated with mean airway pressure >/= 12 cm H2O4. Alveolar‐arterial oxygen difference >/= 450 mmHg