County-Level Atrazine Use and Gastroschisis.

Importance: The incidence of gastroschisis, a birth defect involving the herniation of the small bowel through the abdominal wall, has increased in the US since the 1960s. The pesticide atrazine is a hypothesized cause of gastroschisis; however, examination of the association between atrazine and gastroschisis has been limited. Objective: To evaluate national trends in gastroschisis incidence, maternal and infant characteristics associated with gastroschisis, and whether county-level atrazine use is associated with gastroschisis. Design, Setting, and Participants: This retrospective, repeated cross-sectional study examined birth certificate data of all live births in the US and data on atrazine use from the US Geological Survey from January 1, 2009, through December 31, 2019. The data analysis was performed between August 5, 2021, and May 26, 2023. Exposures: County-level atrazine use. Main Outcomes and Measures: The primary outcome was gastroschisis incidence. Covariates included maternal age, race and ethnicity, body mass index (measured by weight in kilograms divided by height in meters squared), parity, insurance type, Chlamydia infection during pregnancy, smoking, and rurality. Mixed-effects logistic regression models (year fixed effects and county random effects) were constructed using different county-level atrazine exposure variables (1-, 5-, and 10-year means). Results: Between 2009 and 2019, 39 282 566 live births were identified, with 10 527 infant diagnoses of gastroschisis. Infants with gastroschisis were more likely to have mothers who identified as non-Hispanic White (61% vs 54%; P < .001), had a lower body mass index (median [IQR], 23.4 [20.8-27.2] vs 25.4 [22.0-30.8]; P < .001), were more likely to be nulliparous (median [IQR], 0 [0-1] vs 1 [0-2]; P < .001), and were more commonly covered by Medicaid (63% vs 43%; P < .001). During the study period, the rate (per 1000 live births) of gastroschisis decreased from 0.31 (95% CI, 0.29-0.33) to 0.22 (95% CI, 0.21-0.24). The median (IQR) county-level atrazine use estimates were higher among infants with gastroschisis (1 year, 1389 [IQR, 198-10 162] vs 1023 [IQR, 167-6960] kg; 5 years, 1425 [IQR, 273-9895] vs 1057 [IQR, 199-6926] kg; 10 years, 1508 [IQR, 286-10 271] vs 1113 [IQR, 200-6650] kg; P < .001). In adjusted models, higher county levels of atrazine (each 100 000-kg increase) were associated with a higher incidence of gastroschisis (1 year: adjusted odds ratio [AOR], 1.12 [95% CI, 1.01-1.24]; 5 years: AOR, 1.15 [95% CI, 1.02-1.30]; 10 years: AOR, 1.21 [95% CI, 1.07-1.38]). Conclusions and Relevance: In this cross-sectional study, higher county levels of atrazine were associated with infant diagnoses of gastroschisis. While atrazine is the second-most used herbicide in the US, numerous countries around the world have banned it out of concern for adverse effects on human health. These findings suggest that exploring alternatives to atrazine in the US may be warranted.

Prenatal cannabis use disorder and gastroschisis in California, 2007-19.

BACKGROUND: Gastroschisis is a congenital anomaly of the abdominal wall with an unknown aetiology. Recent trends in the prevalence of gastroschisis suggest that changing environmental or behavioural factors may contribute. We examined whether prenatal cannabis use disorder was associated with gastroschisis. METHODS: The Study of Outcomes of Mothers and Infants is a population-based cohort compiled of California birth records that have been linked to Department of Health Care Access and Information hospitalization, emergency department and ambulatory surgery records. We included 2007-19 singleton live births (n = 5 774 656). Cannabis use disorder was measured by diagnosis codes at any visit during pregnancy or at birth. Gastroschisis was measured by diagnosis or surgical repair procedure codes at birth or during the first year of life. RESULTS: The prevalence of cannabis use disorder was about 1%. The prevalence of gastroschisis was 0.14% and 0.06% among those with and without cannabis use disorder, respectively. There were positive associations between cannabis use disorder and gastroschisis when using a multivariable model [adjusted risk ratio (aRR) = 1.3, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.0, 1.7) and a matched sample approach (aRR = 1.5, 95% CI 1.1, 2.1). The association varied by maternal age and was largest among people aged >34 years (aRR = 2.5, 95% CI 1.0, 5.8). CONCLUSIONS: We confirm findings of a positive association between cannabis exposure and gastroschisis and add that it is strongest when maternal age is greater than 34 years. More investigation into whether the association is causal, and why the association varies by maternal age, is encouraged.

The Association of Prenatal Diagnoses with Mortality and Long-Term Morbidity in Children with Specific Isolated Congenital Anomalies: A European Register-Based Cohort Study.

OBJECTIVES: To compare 5-year survival rate and morbidity in children with spina bifida, transposition of great arteries (TGA), congenital diaphragmatic hernia (CDH) or gastroschisis diagnosed prenatally with those diagnosed postnatally. METHODS: Population-based registers' data were linked to hospital and mortality databases. RESULTS: Children whose anomaly was diagnosed prenatally (n = 1088) had a lower mean gestational age than those diagnosed postnatally (n = 1698) ranging from 8 days for CDH to 4 days for TGA. Children with CDH had the highest infant mortality rate with a significant difference (p < 0.001) between those prenatally (359/1,000 births) and postnatally (116/1,000) diagnosed. For all four anomalies, the median length of hospital stay was significantly greater in children with a prenatal diagnosis than those postnatally diagnosed. Children with prenatally diagnosed spina bifida (79% vs 60%; p = 0.002) were more likely to have surgery in the first week of life, with an indication that this also occurred in children with CDH (79% vs 69%; p = 0.06). CONCLUSIONS: Our findings do not show improved outcomes for prenatally diagnosed infants. For conditions where prenatal diagnoses were associated with greater mortality and morbidity, the findings might be attributed to increased detection of more severe anomalies. The increased mortality and morbidity in those diagnosed prenatally may be related to the lower mean gestational age (GA) at birth, leading to insufficient surfactant for respiratory effort. This is especially important for these four groups of children as they have to undergo anaesthesia and surgery shortly after birth. Appropriate prenatal counselling about the time and mode of delivery is needed.

Risk Factors for Infection in Neonates With Intestinal Failure.

PURPOSE: Neonates with intestinal failure (IF) are at risk for infection due to central venous access, and intestinal surgery. Infection can cause systemic inflammation and sepsis, potentially affecting growth. The purpose of this study was to identify risk factors for, and the potential impact of infection to help with preventative strategies. METHODS: A retrospective review of infants with IF, at a single centre from 2018 to 2022 was conducted. Clinical characteristics, intestinal pathology, nutritional intake, and growth were compared among infants with bloodstream infection (BSI), other infection (OI) (urinary, respiratory, or wound), or no infection (NI) within 2 months of diagnosis. Mann-Whitney and Kruskal-Wallis tests were used for comparisons with p-values <0.05 considered significant. RESULTS: Eighty-six infants were included, with gastroschisis (41%) and necrotizing enterocolitis (26%) the most common diagnoses. Fifty-nine % of infants developed infection (22% BSI and 37% OI). Those with BSI or OI had a lower gestational age and birthweight, and were more likely to have a stoma. All infants with complex gastroschisis developed infection compared to 38% of infants with simple gastroschisis. Median daily weight gain was suboptimal across all groups and did not differ over 6 weeks following infection. CONCLUSION: Most infants with IF develop infection shortly after diagnosis. Risk factors include prematurity, complex gastroschisis, and the presence of a stoma. Growth was suboptimal but did not differ among infants with or without infection. TYPE OF STUDY: Retrospective Review. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level III Retrospective Comparative Study.

Gastroschisis prevalence patterns in 27 surveillance programs from 24 countries, International Clearinghouse for Birth Defects Surveillance and Research, 1980-2017.

BACKGROUND: Gastroschisis is a serious birth defect with midgut prolapse into the amniotic cavity. The objectives of this study were to evaluate the prevalence and time trends of gastroschisis among programs in the International Clearinghouse for Birth Defects Surveillance and Research (ICBDSR), focusing on regional variations and maternal age changes in the population. METHODS: We analyzed data on births from 1980 to 2017 from 27 ICBDSR member programs, representing 24 countries and three regions (Europe+ (includes Iran) , Latin America, North America). Cases were identified using diagnostic codes (i.e., 756.7, 756.71, or Q79.3). We excluded cases of amniotic band syndrome, limb-body wall defect, and ruptured omphalocele. Programs provided annual counts for gastroschisis cases (live births, stillbirths, and legally permitted pregnancy terminations for fetal anomalies) and source population (live births, stillbirths), by maternal age. RESULTS: Overall, gastroschisis occurred in 1 of every 3268 births (3.06 per 10,000 births; 95% confidence intervals [CI]: 3.01, 3.11), with marked regional variation. European+ prevalence was 1.49 (95%CI: 1.44, 1.55), Latin American 3.80 (95%CI: 3.69, 3.92) and North American 4.32 (95%CI: 4.22, 4.42). A statistically significant increasing time trend was observed among six European+ , four Latin American, and four North American programs. Women <20 years of age had the highest prevalence in all programs except the Slovak Republic. CONCLUSIONS: Gastroschisis prevalence increased over time in 61% of participating programs, and the highest increase in prevalence was observed among the youngest women. Additional inquiry will help to assess the impact of the changing maternal age proportions in the birth population on gastroschisis prevalence.

[Gastroschisis and omphalocele: Incidence and outcome].

INTRODUCTION: Gastroschisis and omphalocele are the most common congenital abdominal wall defects. The main purpose of this study was to investigate the incidence, other associated anomalies and the course of these diseases in Iceland. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The study was retrospective. The population was all newborns who were admitted to the NICU of Children's Hospital Iceland due to gastroschisis or omphalocele in 1991-2020. Furthermore, all fetuses diagnosed prenatally or post mortem where the pregnancy ended in spontaneous or induced abortion, were included. RESULTS: During the study period, 54 infants were born with gastroschisis and five with omphalocele. The incidence of gastroschisis was 4.11 and omphalocele 0,38/10,000 births. There was no significant change in the incidence of the diseases during the study period. In addition, five fetuses were diagnosed with gastroschisis and 31 with omphalocele where the pregnancy was terminated. In addition to gastroschisis in the live born infants and fetuses the most common associated anomalies were in the gastrointestinal or urinary tract but in infants and fetuses with omphalocele anomalies of the cardiac, central nervous or skeletal systems were the most common. Sixteen fetuses diagnosed with omphalocele had trisomy 18. Mothers aged 16-20 were more likely to give birth to an infant with gastroschisis than older mothers (p< 0.001). Primary closure was successful in 86% of the infants. Those reached full feedings significantly earlier and were discharged earlier. Overall survival rate was 95%. Three children were still receiving parenteral nutrition at discharge due to short bowel syndrome. CONCLUSIONS: The incidence of gastroschisis in Iceland is in accordance with studies in other countries but but the incidence of omphalocele is lower, which can be partly explained by spontaneous or induced abortions. Other anomalies associated with omphalocele are more severe than those associated with gastroschisis. Primary closure was associated with more benign course. Children with gastroschisis may need prolonged parenteral nutrition due to shortening of their intestines.

National population-based estimates for major birth defects, 2016-2020.

BACKGROUND: We provide updated crude and adjusted prevalence estimates of major birth defects in the United States for the period 2016-2020. METHODS: Data were collected from 13 US population-based surveillance programs that used active or a combination of active and passive case ascertainment methods to collect all birth outcomes. These data were used to calculate pooled prevalence estimates and national prevalence estimates adjusted for maternal race/ethnicity for all conditions, and maternal age for trisomies and gastroschisis. Prevalence was compared to previously published national estimates from 1999 to 2014. RESULTS: Adjusted national prevalence estimates per 10,000 live births ranged from 0.63 for common truncus to 18.65 for clubfoot. Temporal changes were observed for several birth defects, including increases in the prevalence of atrioventricular septal defect, tetralogy of Fallot, omphalocele, trisomy 18, and trisomy 21 (Down syndrome) and decreases in the prevalence of anencephaly, common truncus, transposition of the great arteries, and cleft lip with and without cleft palate. CONCLUSION: This study provides updated national estimates of selected major birth defects in the United States. These data can be used for continued temporal monitoring of birth defects prevalence. Increases and decreases in prevalence since 1999 observed in this study warrant further investigation.

Public health priorities for gastroschisis: Summary of a meeting sponsored by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the March of Dimes.

BACKGROUND: Gastroschisis has increased worldwide over several decades; however, there are significant gaps in understanding risk factors for development of the defect, particularly those that might be modifiable. Despite advances in survival, little is known about longer-term outcomes for affected individuals. METHODS: On April 27- and 28, 2023, the National Center on Birth Defects and Developmental Disabilities at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and March of Dimes sponsored a meeting entitled "Public Health Priorities for Gastroschisis". The meeting goals were to review current knowledge on gastroschisis, discuss research gaps, and identify future priorities for public health surveillance, research, and action related to gastroschisis. Meeting participants encompassed a broad range of expertise and experience, including public health, clinical care of individuals with gastroschisis, affected individuals and families, and representatives from professional organizations and federal agencies. RESULTS: Several goals were identified for future public health surveillance and research, including focused theory-driven research on risk factors and increased study of longer-term effects of gastroschisis through improved surveillance. Certain public health actions were identified, that which could improve the care of affected individuals, including increased education of providers and enhanced resources for patients and families. CONCLUSIONS: These efforts may lead to an improved understanding of pathogenesis, risk factors, and outcomes and to improved care throughout the lifespan.

Medication use during pregnancy and the risk of gastroschisis: a systematic review and meta-analysis of observational studies.

OBJECTIVES: The aetiology of gastroschisis is considered multifactorial. We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis to assess whether the use of medications during pregnancy, is associated with the risk of gastroschisis in offspring. METHODS: PubMed, EMBASE, and Scopus were searched from 1st January 1990 to 31st December 2020 to identify observational studies examining the association between medication use during pregnancy and the risk of gastroschisis. The Newcastle-Ottawa Scale was used for the quality assessment of the individual studies. We pooled adjusted measures using a random-effect model to estimate relative risk [RR] and the 95% confidence interval [CI]. I2 statistic for heterogeneity and publication bias was calculated. RESULTS: Eighteen studies providing data on 751,954 pregnancies were included in the meta-analysis. Pooled RRs showed significant associations between aspirin (RR 1.66, 95% CI 1.16-2.38; I2 = 58.3%), oral contraceptives (RR 1.52, 95% CI 1.21-1.92; I2 = 22.0%), pseudoephedrine and phenylpropanolamine (RR 1.51, 95% CI 1.16-1.97; I2 = 33.2%), ibuprofen (RR 1.42, 95% CI 1.26-1.60; I2 = 0.0%), and gastroschisis. No association was observed between paracetamol and gastroschisis (RR 1.16, 95% CI 0.96-1.41; I2 = 39.4%). CONCLUSIONS: These results suggest that the exposure in the first trimester of pregnancy to over the counter medications (OTC) such as aspirin, ibuprofen, pseudoephedrine and phenylpropanolamine as well as to oral contraceptives, was associated with an increased risk of gastroschisis. However, these associations are significant only in particular subgroups defined by geographic location, adjustment variables and type of control. Therefore, further research is needed to investigate them as potential risk factors for gastroschisis, to assess their safety in pregnancy and to develop treatment strategies to reduce the risk of gastroschisis in offspring. PROSPERO registration number: CRD42021287529.

Trends in Attempted Vaginal Delivery among Pregnancies Complicated by Gastroschisis, 2014 to 2020.

OBJECTIVE: Gastroschisis is a full-thickness congenital defect of the abdominal wall through which intestines and other organs may herniate. In a prior analysis, attempted vaginal delivery with fetal gastroschisis appeared to increase through 2013, although cesarean delivery remained common. The objective of this analysis was to update current trends in attempted vaginal birth among pregnancies complicated by gastroschisis. STUDY DESIGN: We performed an updated cross-sectional analysis of live births from 2014 and 2020 using data from the U.S. National Vital Statistics System and evaluated trends in attempted vaginal deliveries among births with gastroschisis. Trends were evaluated using joinpoint regression. We constructed logistic regression models to evaluate the association between demographic and clinical variables and attempted vaginal delivery in the setting of gastroschisis. RESULTS: Among 5,355 deliveries with gastroschisis meeting inclusion criteria, attempted vaginal delivery increased significantly from 68.9% to 75.1%, an average annual percent change of 1.7% (95% confidence interval [CI], 0.8-2.5). Among gastroschisis-complicated pregnancies, patients 35 to 39 years old (adjusted odds ratio [aOR], 0.53; 95% CI, 0.37-0.79) and Hispanic race/ethnicity (aOR, 0.69; 95% CI, 0.58-0.62) were at lower likelihood of attempted vaginal delivery in adjusted analyses. CONCLUSION: These findings suggest that vaginal delivery continues to increase in the setting of gastroschisis. Further reduction of surgical delivery for this fetal defect may be possible. KEY POINTS: · Vaginal deliveries increased among gastroschisis pregnancies.. · Hispanic patients were less likely to attempt vaginal delivery.. · Some gastroschisis pregnancies still deliver surgically..

Maternal exposure to zolpidem and risk of specific birth defects.

Zolpidem is a non-benzodiazepine agent indicated for treatment of insomnia. While zolpidem crosses the placenta, little is known about its safety in pregnancy. We assessed associations between self-reported zolpidem use 1 month before pregnancy through to the end of the third month ("early pregnancy") and specific birth defects using data from two multi-site case-control studies: National Birth Defects Prevention Study and Slone Epidemiology Center Birth Defects Study. Analysis included 39,711 birth defect cases and 23,035 controls without a birth defect. For defects with ≥ 5 exposed cases, we used logistic regression with Firth's penalised likelihood to estimate adjusted odds ratios and 95% confidence intervals, considering age at delivery, race/ethnicity, education, body mass index, parity, early-pregnancy antipsychotic, anxiolytic, antidepressant use, early-pregnancy opioid use, early-pregnancy smoking, and study as potential covariates. For defects with three-four exposed cases, we estimated crude odds ratios and 95% confidence intervals. Additionally, we explored differences in odds ratios using propensity score-adjustment and conducted a probabilistic bias analysis of exposure misclassification. Overall, 84 (0.2%) cases and 46 (0.2%) controls reported early-pregnancy zolpidem use. Seven defects had sufficient sample size to calculate adjusted odds ratios, which ranged from 0.76 for cleft lip to 2.18 for gastroschisis. Four defects had odds ratios > 1.8. All confidence intervals included the null. Zolpidem use was rare. We could not calculate adjusted odds ratios for most defects and estimates are imprecise. Results do not support a large increase in risk, but smaller increases in risk for certain defects cannot be ruled out.

Longitudinal growth of children born with gastroschisis or omphalocele.

Normal childhood growth is an indicator of good health, but data addressing the growth of children born with abdominal wall defects (AWDs) are limited. The detailed growth phenotypes of children born with gastroschisis or omphalocele are described and compared to peers without AWDs from birth to adolescence. Data from 183 gastroschisis and 144 omphalocele patients born between 1993 and 2017 were gathered from Finnish nationwide registers and electronic health records. Weight (n = 3033), length/height (n = 2034), weight-for-length (0-24 months, n = 909), and body mass index measures (2-15 years, n = 423) were converted into sex- and age-specific Z-scores. Linear mixed models were used for comparisons. Intrauterine growth failure was common in infants with gastroschisis. Birth weight Z-scores in girls and boys were - 1.2 (0.2) and - 1.3 (0.2) and length Z-scores - 0.7 (0.2) and - 1.0 (0.2), respectively (p < 0.001 for all comparisons to infants without AWDs). During early infancy, growth failure increased in infants with gastroschisis, and thereafter, catch-up growth was prominent and faster in girls than in boys. Gastroschisis children gained weight and reached their peers' weights permanently at 5 to 10 years. By 15 years or older, 30% of gastroschisis patients were overweight. Infants with omphalocele were born with a normal birth size but grew shorter and weighing less than the reference population until the teen-age years. CONCLUSION: Children with gastroschisis and omphalocele have distinct growth patterns from fetal life onwards. These growth trajectories may also provide some opportunities to modulate adult health. WHAT IS KNOWN: • Intrauterine and postnatal growth failure can be seen frequently in gastroschisis and they often show significant catch-up growth later in infancy. It is assumed that part of the children with gastroschisis will become overweight during later childhood. WHAT IS NEW:  â€¢ The longitudinal growth of girls and boys with gastroschisis or omphalocele is described separately until the teenage years. The risk of gaining excessive weight in puberty was confirmed in girls with gastroschisis.

Is gastroschisis associated with county-level socio-environmental quality during pregnancy?

BACKGROUND: Gastroschisis prevalence more than doubled between 1995 and 2012. While there are individual-level risk factors (e.g., young maternal age, low body mass index), the impact of environmental exposures is not well understood. METHODS: We used the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's Environmental Quality Index (EQI) as a county-level estimate of cumulative environmental exposures for five domains (air, water, land, sociodemographic, and built) and overall from 2006 to 2010. Adjusted odds ratios (aOR) and 95% confidence interval (CI) were estimated from logistic regression models between EQI tertiles (better environmental quality (reference); mid; poorer) and gastroschisis in the National Birth Defects Prevention Study from births delivered between 2006 and 2011. Our analysis included 594 cases with gastroschisis and 4105 infants without a birth defect (controls). RESULTS: Overall EQI was modestly associated with gastroschisis (aOR [95% CI]: 1.29 [0.98, 1.71]) for maternal residence in counties with poorer environmental quality, compared to the reference (better environmental quality). Within domain-specific indices, only the sociodemographic domain (aOR: 1.51 [0.99, 2.29]) was modestly associated with gastroschisis, when comparing poorer to better environmental quality. CONCLUSIONS: Future work could elucidate pathway(s) by which components of the sociodemographic domain or possibly related psychosocial factors like chronic stress potentially contribute to risk of gastroschisis.

Gastroschisis in Sub-Saharan Africa: a scoping review of the prevalence, management practices, and associated outcomes.

Gastroschisis is a congenital defect of the anterior abdominal wall characterized by a periumbilical abdominal wall defect with associated bowel protrusion. Limitations in the diagnosis and management of gastroschisis in Sub-Saharan African countries contribute to the high mortality rate. Few studies have been published despite its significant contribution to neonatal mortality in Sub-Saharan Africa. This review study explores the prevalence of gastroschisis, likewise the management and clinical outcomes. Full-text articles reporting the prevalence, management, and associated outcomes of gastroschisis in Sub-Saharan Africa were included. Data were extracted from databases such as PubMed, Google Scholar, and Ajol following a systematic search. The study was reported following the PRISMA-ScR guideline. A total of ten articles which included studies conducted from 1999 to 2022 fulfilled the criteria. The prevalence of gastroschisis varied widely, ranging from 0.026 to 1.75 with an overall mortality rate of 62.48%. Young maternal age is strongly associated with the incidence of gastroschisis. The study showed a slight male preponderance with a M: F ratio of 1.12:1. Staged closure with silos is the preferred method of management, it is explicitly linked to improved clinical outcomes. The prevalence rate and associated mortality of gastroschisis remain alarmingly high in most of the studies. There is a need for advanced diagnostic and management practices as well as increased awareness of gastroschisis to reduce mortality and improve survival outcomes.

Mexican-American Women's Lifelong Residence in the United States Is Associated with an Increased Risk of Gastroschisis: A Population-Based Study.

OBJECTIVE: To determine whether nativity is associated with abdominal wall defects among births to Mexican-American women. STUDY DESIGN: Using a cross-sectional, population-based design, stratified and multivariable logistic regression analyses were performed on the 2014-2017 National Center for Health Statistics live-birth cohort dataset of infants of US-born (n = 1 398 719) and foreign-born (n = 1 221 411) Mexican-American women. RESULTS: The incidence of gastroschisis was greater among births to US-born compared with Mexico-born Mexican-American women: 36.7/100 000 vs 15.5/100 000, RR = 2.4 (2.0, 2.9). US-born (compared with Mexico-born) Mexican-American mothers had a greater percentage of teens and cigarette smokers, P < .0001. In both subgroups, gastroschisis rates were greatest among teens and decreased with advancing maternal age. Adjusting for maternal age, parity, education, cigarette smoking, pre-pregnancy body mass index, prenatal care usage, and infant sex), OR of gastroschisis for US-born (compared with Mexico-born) Mexican-American women was 1.7 (95% CI 1.4-2.0). The population attributable risk of maternal birth in the US for gastroschisis equaled 43%. The incidence of omphalocele did not vary by maternal nativity. CONCLUSIONS: Mexican-American women's birth in the US vs Mexico is an independent risk factor for gastroschisis but not omphalocele. Moreover, a substantial proportion of gastroschisis lesions among Mexican-American infants is attributable to factors closely related to their mother's nativity.

Prevalence and Spatial Distribution of Gastroschisis in an Industrial Watershed.

The relationship between the congenital defect of gastroschisis and environmental toxins is poorly understood. We examined gastroschisis incidence, risk factors, and spatial association in a geographic region with known environmental pollution and hazardous waste sites. An observational study of fetal and neonatal gastroschisis diagnosed from 1/1/2006 to 12/31/2020 was conducted in a southern West Virginia (WV) tertiary care hospital. Emerging hot spot analysis and Ripley's K-Function examined the spatial relationship between gastroschisis cases and Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Federal Registry Sites (FRS). A total of 63 gastroschisis cases provided a prevalence rate of 14.6 per 10000 live births. Gastroschisis was associated with younger maternal age, decreased pre-pregnancy BMI, and increased maternal tobacco use. Relative to FRS sites, spatial clusters were identified with emerging hot spot analysis. Observed Ripley K was higher at all measured bands. Results suggest a potential geographic association between gastroschisis cases and EPA-designated hazardous waste sites.

Factors associated with cholestasis in newborns with gastroschisis.

OBJECTIVE: To describe the incidence and to analyze risk factors associated with cholestasis in neonates with gastroschisis. METHODS: This is a retrospective cohort study in a tertiary single center analyzing 181 newborns with gastroschisis between 2009 and 2020. The following risk factors associated with cholestasis were analyzed: gestational age, birth weight, type of gastroschisis, silo closure or immediate closure, days of parenteral nutrition, type of lipid emulsion, days of fasting, days to reach a full diet, days with central venous catheter, presence of infections, and outcomes. RESULTS: Among the 176 patients evaluated, 41 (23.3%) evolved with cholestasis. In the univariate analysis, low birth weight (p=0.023), prematurity (p<0.001), lipid emulsion with medium-chain triglycerides and long-chain triglycerides (p=0.001) and death (p<0.001) were associated with cholestasis. In the multivariate analysis, patients who received lipid emulsion with fish oil instead of medium chain triglycerides/long chain triglycerides (MCT/LCT) emulsion had a lower risk of cholestasis. CONCLUSIONS: Our study shows that lipid emulsion with fish oil is associated with a lower risk of cholestasis in neonates with gastroschisis. However, this is a retrospective study and a prospective study should be performed to confirm the results.

[Evolution of the completeness and consistency of the gastroschisis registry in the Brazilian Live Birth Information System, from 2005 to 2020]. / Evolução da completude e consistência do registro de gastrosquise no Sistema de Informações sobre Nascidos Vivos no Brasil, de 2005 a 2020.

This study aimed to evaluate the evolution of the completeness and consistency of the gastroschisis registry in the Brazilian Live Birth Information System (SINASC). It is a time-series study on the completeness of the variable "occurrence of congenital anomaly" and the consistency of gastroschisis diagnosis in SINASC, in biennia from 2005 to 2020, for federative units, region, and Brazil. The consistency was estimated by the ratio between deaths from gastroschisis registered in the Brazilian Mortality Information System (SIM) and the total number of cases recorded in SINASC. Temporal trend was analyzed by joinpoint regression. In the period, 46,574,995 live births and 10,024 cases of gastroschisis were recorded. A total of 5,632 infant deaths due to gastroschisis were identified. The percentage of incompleteness decreased from 6.52% to 1.87%, with an annual percentage variation (APV) of -14.5%, and completeness reached excellence (≤ 5% of incompleteness), except in the Central-West Region. Case/death ratios above 1 were found in the North and Northeast regions and in some federative units in the Central-West, but there was a decrease, approaching the mortality found in studies in the South and Southeast regions. Its reduction was more pronounced until 2009-2010 (APV = -10.7%) and smaller later (APV = -4.4%). The quality of the gastroschisis registry reflects regional differences in the overall quality of SINASC, constituting as a marker for malformations that require complex neonatal care.

O objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar a evolução da completude e da consistência do registro de gastrosquise no Sistema de Informações sobre Nascidos Vivos (SINASC) no Brasil. Trata-se de estudo de série temporal sobre a completude da variável "ocorrência de anomalia congênita" e a consistência do diagnóstico de gastrosquise no SINASC, nos biênios entre 2005 e 2020, para Unidades da Federação, região e Brasil. A consistência foi estimada pela razão entre óbitos por gastrosquise registrados no Sistema de Informações sobre Mortalidade (SIM) e o total de casos registrados no SINASC. A tendência temporal foi analisada por regressão joinpoint. No período, havia registro de 46.574.995 nascidos vivos e 10.024 casos de gastrosquise entre eles. Identificamos 5.632 óbitos infantis por gastrosquise. O percentual de incompletude diminuiu de 6,52% para 1,87%, com variação percentual anual (VPA) de -14,5%, e a completude atingiu a excelência (≤ 5% de incompletude), exceto no Centro-oeste do país. Razão óbito/caso acima de 1 foi encontrada nas regiões Norte e Nordeste e em alguns estados do Centro-oeste, mas houve diminuição, aproximando-se da mortalidade encontrada em estudos no Sul e Sudeste. Sua redução foi mais acentuada até 2009-2010 (VPA = -10,7%) e menor posteriormente (VPA = -4,4%). A qualidade do registro de gastrosquise reflete as diferenças regionais da qualidade geral do SINASC, configurando-se uma condição marcadora para malformações que demandam atenção neonatal complexa.

El objetivo de este estudio fue evaluar la evolución de la completitud y consistencia del registro de la gastrosquisis en el Sistema de Información de los Nacidos Vivos (SINASC) en Brasil. Se trata de un estudio de serie temporal sobre la completitud de la variable "aparición de anomalía congénita" y la consistencia del diagnóstico de gastrosquisis en el SINASC, en los bienios entre 2005 y 2020, en estados, regiones y Brasil. La consistencia se estimó por la razón entre las defunciones por gastrosquisis registradas en el Sistema de Información de Mortalidad (SIM) y el total de casos inscritos en el SINASC. La tendencia temporal se analizó mediante regresión joinpoint. Durante el período, hubo 46.574.995 nacidos vivos y 10.024 casos de gastrosquisis entre ellos. Identificamos 5.632 muertes infantiles por gastrosquisis. El porcentaje de incompletitud disminuyó de 6,52% a 1,87%, con una variación porcentual anual (VPA) de -14,5%, y la completitud alcanzó la excelencia (≤ 5% de incompletitud), excepto en la región Centro-oeste del país. Se encontró una relación defunciones/caso superior a 1 en las regiones Norte y Nordeste y en algunos estados del Centro-oeste, pero hubo una disminución, acercándose a la mortalidad encontrada en estudios en el Sur y Sudeste. Su reducción fue más pronunciada hasta 2009-2010 (VPA = -10,7%) y después menor (VPA = -4,4%). La calidad del registro de gastrosquisis refleja diferencias regionales relacionadas con la calidad general del SINASC, configurando una condición manifiesta de malformaciones que demandan cuidados neonatales complejos.

Association of maternal depression and hypothyroidism with infant gastroschisis: a population-based cohort study in Canada.

Gastroschisis has increased globally over recent decades, and this increase has not been explained by identified risk factors. We conducted a population-based study of infants born in Canada, 2004-2020. We used "winter" months (i.e., September through June) and northern areas of residence as indicators of less sunlight/less active lifestyle, while "summer" (i.e., July and August) and southern areas were considered as reference. Rate of gastroschisis for infants conceived in winter (3.4 per 10,000) was higher than for infants conceived in summer (2.2 per 10,000; p < 0.001). Exposure to winter, and northern area, hypothyroidism, substance or tobacco uses and depressive disorder were initially identified as risk factors for gastroschisis. There was a significant interaction between women < 24 years of age and 2-month conception intervals (rate ratio (RR): 1.42 (95% confidence interval [CI] 1.19-1.70). The association of maternal depression (mean ratio 2.19, 95% CI 0.87-3.50, p = 0.001) with infant gastroschisis was mediated by hypothyroidism (mean ratio 1.04, 95% CI 1.01-1.07, p < 0.001), whereas substance use, hypothyroidism, tobacco smoking and gestational diabetes showed 5.5-, 3.1-, 2.7-, and 1.2-fold associations, respectively, with maternal depression. In contrast to the summer conception interval of low gastroschisis risk, an elevated risk of gastroschisis spans the other ten months in association with higher levels of stress adaptation, thermoregulation and metabolism, reproduction, and growth effector hormones. Our findings suggest that periconception depression with mediation by hypothyroidism, may play a causal role in offspring gastroschisis.

Sunspot activity and birth defects among Texas births (1999-2016).

BACKGROUND: Building on findings that linked higher levels of sunspot (SS) activity with a range of health and adverse birth outcomes, we sought to understand how SS activity over a 17-year time period may be correlated with the occurrence of birth defects. METHODS: Data from the Texas Birth Defects Registry, vital events from the Texas Center for Health Statistics, and mean monthly numbers of sunspots from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration were utilized. Poisson regression was used to calculate crude/adjusted prevalence ratios (cPRs/aPRs) and 95% confidence intervals for three quartiles (Q) of increasing SS activity (compared to a referent of low activity) and 44 birth defects (31 non-cardiac; 13 cardiac) with estimated dates of conception from 1998 to 2016. RESULTS: We found moderately protective aPRs (range: 0.60-0.89) in a little over half of the case groups examined in our quartiles of higher SS activity (19 non-cardiac; 6 cardiac), after adjusting for maternal age, race/ethnicity, and education. Particularly protective aPRs in the highest SS quartiles (Q3-4) were noted for: anophthalmia, cataract, gastroschisis, trisomy 18, ventricular septal defects, atrial septal defects, and pulmonary valve atresia or stenosis. Conversely, modestly elevated aPRs were noted for two defect groups (agenesis, aplasia, and hypoplasia of the lung and microcephaly [Q2-3]). Following an additional adjustment of year of conception, results remained similar although many of the estimates were attenuated. CONCLUSION: The seemingly protective associations between increasing SS activity may be an artifact of increasing spontaneous abortions that occur following conception during these periods of heightened SS activity.