European reference network for rare inherited congenital anomalies (ERNICA) evidence based guideline on the management of gastroschisis.

BACKGROUND: The European Reference Network for rare Inherited Congenital Anomalies, ERNICA, guidelines for gastroschisis cover perinatal period to help teams to improve care. METHOD: A systematic literature search including 136 publications was conducted. Research findings were assessed following the GRADE methodology. The evidence to decision framework was used to determine the strength and direction of recommendations. RESULTS: The mode or timing of delivery do not impact neonatal mortality, risk of NEC or time on parenteral nutrition (PN). Intra or extra abdominal bowel dilatation predict complex gastroschisis and longer length of hospital stay but not increased perinatal mortality. Outcomes after Bianchi procedure and primary fascia closure under anesthesia are similar. Sutureless closure decreases the rate of surgical site infections and duration of ventilation compared to surgical closure. Silo-staged closure with or without intubation results in similar outcomes. Outcomes of complex gastroschisis (CG) undergoing early or delayed surgical repair are similar. Early enteral feeds starting within 14 days is associated with lower risk of surgical site infection. RECOMMENDATIONS: The panel suggests vaginal birth between 37 and 39 w in cases of uncomplicated gastroschisis. Bianchi's approach is an option in simple gastroschisis. Sutureless closure is suggested when general anesthesia can be avoided, sutured closure. If anesthesia is required. Silo treatment without ventilation and general anesthesia can be considered. In CG with atresia primary intestinal repair can be attempted if the condition of patient and intestine allows. Enteral feeds for simple gastroschisis should start within 14 days.

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.

miRNA-143 expression is associated with inflammation and time of exposure to amniotic fluid in experimental gastroschisis.

OBJECTIVE: Gastroschisis (GS) is a congenital anomaly in the abdominal wall with the intestinal loops exiting laterally to the umbilicus. The contact of the loops with Amniotic Fluid (AF) causes an inflammatory process in the exposed part, leading to an extended hospital stay and an increased risk of morbidity due to alterations related to intestinal motility. The authors aimed to evaluate the time of exposure to the AF in the experimental GS and to search for potential biomarkers of intestinal inflammation by measuring microRNAs. METHODS: Rat fetuses were divided into three groups: a) CONTROL, b) GS reared on day 18 (GS = 18), and c) GS reared on day 19.5 (GS = 19) (term = 22 days). On day 21.5, the fetuses were removed for biometric parameters and biochemical analyses: 1) Biometrics: Body and Intestinal Weight (BW, IW), and intestinal-body weight ratio (IW/BW); 2) Descriptive histopathology and 3) miR-143 quantification by real-time Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR). RESULTS: BW was higher in CONTROL than GS 18 and G19 (p < 0.05). IW, IW/BW, intestinal water, and mRNA-143 were higher in GS 18 and GS 19 than in CONTROL, and GS 18 was higher than GS 19 (p < 0.05). The average of the inflammation score from the intestinal wall with mucosal inflammation and intra-epithelial lymphocytes shows worst in GS 18 and GS 19 vs. CONTROL (p < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: The tissue expression of mRNA-143 and the morphological changes in the intestine of GS worsened according to the time of exposure to AF, which could be a possible marker of fetal intestinal damage.

Are individual-level risk factors for gastroschisis modified by neighborhood-level socioeconomic factors?

BACKGROUND: Two strong risk factors for gastroschisis are young maternal age (<20 years) and low/normal pre-pregnancy body mass index (BMI), yet the reasons remain unknown. We explored whether neighborhood-level socioeconomic position (nSEP) during pregnancy modified these associations. METHODS: We analyzed data from 1269 gastroschisis cases and 10,217 controls in the National Birth Defects Prevention Study (1997-2011). To characterize nSEP, we applied the neighborhood deprivation index and used generalized estimating equations to calculate odds ratios and relative excess risk due to interaction. RESULTS: Elevated odds of gastroschisis were consistently associated with young maternal age and low/normal BMI, regardless of nSEP. High-deprivation neighborhoods modified the association with young maternal age. Infants of young mothers in high-deprivation areas had lower odds of gastroschisis (adjusted odds ratio [aOR]: 3.1, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 2.6, 3.8) than young mothers in low-deprivation areas (aOR: 6.6; 95% CI: 4.6, 9.4). Mothers of low/normal BMI had approximately twice the odds of having an infant with gastroschisis compared to mothers with overweight/obese BMI, regardless of nSEP (aOR range: 1.5-2.3). CONCLUSION: Our findings suggest nSEP modified the association between gastroschisis and maternal age, but not BMI. Further research could clarify whether the modification is due to unidentified biologic and/or non-biologic factors.

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.

Three-Dimensional Ultrasound Evaluation of Lung Volume in Fetuses with Abdominal Wall Defect.

INTRODUCTION: Abdominal wall defects (AWDs) interfere with postnatal respiratory parameters. We aimed to evaluate lung volume (LV) in fetuses with AWD using three-dimensional (3D) ultrasound (US) and to correlate AWD with the type (omphalocele and gastroschisis) and size of the defect and neonatal morbidity and mortality. METHODS: This prospective observational study included 72 pregnant women with fetuses with AWD and a gestational age <25 weeks. The data on abdominal volume, 3D US LV, and herniated volume were acquired every 4 weeks up to 33 weeks. LV was compared with normal reference curves and correlated with abdominal and herniated volumes. RESULTS: Omphalocele (p < 0.001) and gastroschisis (p < 0.001) fetuses had smaller LV than normal fetuses. LV was positively correlated with abdominal volume (omphalocele, r = 0.86; gastroschisis, r = 0.88), whereas LV was negatively correlated with omphalocele-herniated volume/abdominal volume (p < 0.001, r = -0.51). LV was smaller in omphalocele fetuses that died (p = 0.002), were intubated (p = 0.02), or had secondary closure (p < 0.001). In gastroschisis, a smaller LV was observed in fetuses discharged using oxygen (p = 0.002). CONCLUSION: Fetuses with AWD had smaller 3D LV than normal fetuses. Fetal abdominal volume was inversely correlated with LV. In omphalocele fetuses, a smaller LV was associated with neonatal mortality and morbidity.

Retrospective review of antimicrobial use for gastroschisis patients in Kigali, Rwanda: can improved stewardship reduce late inpatient deaths?

Gastroschisis mortality is 75-100% in low-resource settings. In Rwanda, late deaths are often due to sepsis. We aimed to understand the effect of antimicrobial use on survival. We conducted a retrospective review of gastroschisis patients at a tertiary hospital in Kigali, Rwanda between January 2016-June 2019. Demographics, antimicrobial use, microbiology, and outcomes were abstracted. Descriptive and univariate analyses were conducted to assess factors associated with improved survival. Among 92 gastroschisis patients, mortality was 77%(n = 71); 23%(n = 21) died within 48 h. 98%(n = 90) of patients received antibiotics on arrival. Positive blood cultures were obtained in 41%(n = 38). Patients spent 86%(SD = 20%) of their hospital stay on antibiotics and 38%(n = 35) received second-line agents. There was no difference in age at arrival, birth weight, gestational age, silo complications, or antimicrobial selection between survivors and non-survivors. Late death patients spent more total hospital days and post-abdominal closure days on antibiotics (p < 0.001) compared to survivors. There was no difference in the proportion of hospital stay on second-line antibiotics (p = 0.1). CONCLUSION: We identified frequent late deaths, prolonged antibiotic courses, and regular use of second-line antibiotic agents in this retrospective cohort of Rwandan gastroschisis patients. Future studies are needed to evaluate antimicrobial resistance in pediatric surgical patients in Rwanda. WHAT IS KNOWN: • Global disparities in gastroschisis outcomes are extreme, with <4% mortality in high-income settings and 75-100% mortality in low-income settings. • Antimicrobial surveillance data is sparse across Africa, but existing evidence suggests high levels of resistance to first-line antibiotics in Rwanda. WHAT IS NEW: • In-hospital survival for gastroschisis was 23% from 2016-2019 and most deaths occurred late (>48hrs after admission) due to sepsis. • Rwandan gastroschisis patients received prolonged courses of antibiotics and second-line antibiotics were frequently used without culture data, raising concern for antimicrobial resistance.

Infectious Complications and Antibiotic Use in Gastroschisis.

Background: Gastroschisis is a challenging neonatal condition often with prolonged hospitalizations, need for parenteral nutrition, infectious complications, and can even result in death. Infection is reported to occur in up to two-thirds of patients with gastroschisis and is a strong risk factor for increased morbidity and mortality. Increased days with a central venous catheter, complex gastroschisis, and delayed abdominal wall closure have been consistently found to be associated with increased risk of infection, whereas sutureless gastroschisis closure has been associated with fewer infections. Although one of the most common complications of gastroschisis is infection, the use of antibiotic agents varies widely with variability in the literature to guide management. Antibiotic usage should be selective and short-term, especially in neonates with simple gastroschisis regardless of method for abdominal wall closure. Conclusions: Future initiatives should focus on development of evidence-based guidelines on the care of these patients with the goal of reducing variability and improve outcomes within and across institutions.

Predicting mortality in neonates with gastroschisis in a Southeastern state of Brazil.

OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to verify risk factors associated with gastroschisis mortality in three neonatal intensive care units located in the state of Espírito Santo, Brazil. METHODS: A retrospective cohort study of neonates with gastroschisis was performed between 2000 and 2018. Prenatal, perinatal, and postsurgical variables of survival or nonsurvival groups were compared using chi-square statistical test, t-test, Mann-Whitney U test, and logistic regression. Tests with p<0.05 were considered statistically determined. RESULTS: A total of 142 newborns were investigated. Mean maternal age, gestational age, and birth weight were lower in the group of nonsurvival (p<0.05). Poor clinical conditions during admission, complex gastroschisis, closure with silo placement, the use of blood products, surgical complications, and short bowel syndrome were more frequent in the nonsurvival group (p<0.05). Complex gastroschisis [adjusted odds ratio (OR) 3.74, 95% confidence interval (95%CI) 1.274-11.019] and short bowel syndrome (adjusted OR 7.55, 95%CI 2.177-26.225) increased the risk of death. Higher birth weight inversely reduced the risk for mortality (adjusted OR 0.99, 95%CI 0.997-1.000). CONCLUSION: Complex gastroschisis and short bowel syndrome increased the risk of death, with greater birth weight being inversely correlated with the risk of mortality. The findings of this research can contribute to the formulation of protocols to improve the quality and safety of care in order to reduce neonatal mortality associated with gastroschisis.

An Unusual Combination of Arthrogryposis, Gastroschisis, Cecal Volvulus, and Malignant Hyperthermia in a Young Woman: A Case Report.

BACKGROUND The purpose of this study is to discuss a patient with a history of conditions, including arthrogryposis, gastroschisis, and malignant hyperthermia, who presented with cecal volvulus requiring urgent surgical intervention. CASE REPORT A 29-year-old woman with a history of arthrogryposis, gastroschisis, malignant hyperthermia, and multiple childhood abdominal surgeries presents to the Emergency Department (ED) with 2 days of abdominal pain and bloody diarrhea. A CT abdomen/pelvis revealed findings concerning for a cecal volvulus. The patient was premedicated and monitored closely by the anesthesia team due to her history of malignant hyperthermia. She underwent an exploratory laparotomy, where a dilated cecum and proximal ascending colon were found to be completely volvulized around the mesentery. Manual bowel detorsion was performed, which resulted in reperfusion of the ischemic-appearing bowel, which then appeared viable. She recovered well after the procedure and was discharged on postoperative day 5. CONCLUSIONS This case highlights a patient who presented with a combination of 4 findings: arthrogryposis, gastroschisis, malignant hyperthermia, and cecal volvulus. With arthrogryposis reported to be associated with gastroschisis and malignant hyperthermia, this report not only corroborates this association, but also aims to draw attention to the fact that these conditions have potential to occur jointly with cecal volvulus. Given the patient's history of gastroschisis requiring extensive abdominal surgeries that contribute as risk factors for cecal volvulus, it is possible there may be other arthrogryposis patients who present with cecal volvulus similar to that seen in this patient.

Impact of Social Vulnerability on Long-Term Growth Outcomes in Sutureless Versus Sutured Repair of Gastroschisis.

INTRODUCTION: The purpose of this study is to describe the long-term growth and nutrition outcomes of sutureless versus sutured gastroschisis repair. We hypothesized that weight z-score at 1 year would be affected by social determinants of health measured by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control Social Vulnerability Index (SVI). MATERIALS AND METHODS: We conducted a single-center retrospective review of patients who underwent gastroschisis repair (n = 97) from 2007 to 2018. Growth z-scores collected through 5 years of age and long-term clinical outcomes were compared based on the closure method and the type of gastroschisis (simple vs. complicated). Multiple regression analysis was performed to identify the impact of SVI themes and other covariates on weight for age z-score at 1 year. RESULTS: In total, 46 patients underwent sutureless repair and 51 underwent sutured repair with median follow-up duration of 2.5 and 1.9 years, respectively. Weight and length z-scores decreased after birth but normalized within the first year of life. Growth and long-term clinical outcomes were similar regardless of the closure method, while patients with complicated gastroschisis had higher rates of hospitalizations, small bowel obstructions, and additional abdominal surgeries. Using multiple regression, both low discharge weight and high SVI in the "minority status and language" theme were associated with lower weight for age z-scores at 1 year (p = 0.003 and p = 0.03). CONCLUSION: Sutureless and sutured gastroschisis repairs result in similar growth and long-term outcomes. Patients living in areas with greater social vulnerability may be at increased risk of poor weight gain. Patients should be followed at least through their first year to ensure appropriate growth.

Patterns of multiple congenital anomalies in the National Birth Defect Prevention Study: Challenges and insights.

BACKGROUND: About 20%-30% of children with birth defects have multiple major birth defects in more than one organ system, often referred to as multiple congenital anomalies (MCAs). Evaluating the patterns of MCAs can provide clues to the underlying causes, pathogenic mechanisms, and developmental pathways. We sought to explore selected patterns of MCAs within the National Birth Defects Prevention Study (NBDPS), a population-based, case-control study that excluded cases attributed to known chromosomal or single-gene abnormalities. METHODS: We defined MCAs as having two or more NBDPS-eligible birth defects and calculated the adjusted observed-to-expected ratio for all observed MCA patterns using co-occurring defect analysis. RESULTS: Of the 50,186 case infants eligible for NBDPS, 2,734 (3.7%) had at least two eligible birth defects. We observed 209 distinct 2-way combinations of birth defects, 297 distinct 3-way combinations, 179 distinct 4-way combinations, and 69 distinct 5-way combinations. Sacral agenesis had the largest proportion of cases with MCAs (70%), whereas gastroschisis had the lowest (3%). Among the cases with MCAs, 63% had a heart defect, 23% had an oral cleft, and 21% had anorectal atresia/stenosis. Of the patterns with adjusted observed-to-expected ratios in the top 20%, most were consistent with the known associations or syndromes, including VATER/VACTERL association and CHARGE syndrome. CONCLUSIONS: Most but not all patterns that had the highest adjusted observed-to-expected ratios were instances of known syndromes or associations. These findings highlight the importance of considering birth defect combinations that suggest syndromic patterns in the absence of a formal syndromic diagnosis. New approaches for screening for sequences and associations, and VATER/VACTERL in particular, in surveillance systems with limited resources for manual review may be valuable for improving surveillance system quality. The observed MCA patterns within NBDPS may help focus future genetic studies by generating case groups of higher yield.

Gastroschisis Complicated by Colonic Atresia.

INTRODUCTION: Gastroschisis with colonic atresia is a rare association. Due to its rarity and variation in presentation, no standardized surgical treatment option exists. Complicated gastroschisis is associated with a higher morbidity and mortality than intestinal atresia or gastroschisis alone. METHODS: This is a case report of a neonate with congenital gastroschisis. On day of life 1, a silo was placed. On day of life 4, the upper portion of silo contents appeared more congested with dusky discoloration and the patient was oliguric. She was taken to the operating room for exploration. RESULTS: The patient required resection of the terminal ileum and an atretic portion of the cecum due to necrosis. Four days later, primary closure of the gastroschisis defect was performed with creation of an end ileostomy. Elective ileostomy takedown was performed 5 months later. She returned to the operating room for anastomotic revision and gastrostomy tube placement for intestinal dysmotility and prolonged ileus. Tube feedings were discontinued 3 months post-operatively. CONCLUSIONS: Gastroschisis with intestinal atresia is associated with increased hospital length of stay, longer duration of parenteral nutrition, more severe intestinal dysfunction, increased surgical complications, and higher mortality than gastroschisis or intestinal atresia alone. With associated colonic atresia, loss of a significant length of bowel due to necrosis, including the ileocecal region, is almost unavoidable. An already compromised blood supply to the atretic bowel is further impaired by a tight abdominal wall defect and postnatal increases in gravitational force. Complicated gastroschisis remains a complex surgical challenge requiring further discussion.

Elective Delivery versus Expectant Management for Gastroschisis: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

INTRODUCTION: The optimal timing of delivery for pregnancies complicated by prenatally diagnosed gastroschisis remains controversial. Therefore, the aim of this study was to find whether elective or expectant delivery is associated with improved neonatal outcome. MATERIALS AND METHODS: MEDLINE and Embase databases were searched for studies up to 2021 that reported timing of delivery for prenatally diagnosed gastroschisis. A systematic review and meta-analysis were then performed in group 1: moderately preterm (gestational age [GA]: 34-35 weeks) elective delivery versus expectant management after GA 34-35 weeks; and group 2: near-term (GA: 36-37 weeks) elective delivery versus expectant management after GA 36-37 weeks. The following clinical outcomes were evaluated: length of stay (LOS), total parenteral nutrition (TPN) days, bowel morbidity (atresia, perforation, and volvulus), sepsis, time of first feeding, short gut syndrome and respirator days, and mortality. RESULTS: Two randomized controlled trials (RCT)s and eight retrospective cohort studies were included, comprising 629 participants. Moderately preterm elective delivery failed to improve clinical outcomes. However, near-term elective delivery significantly reduced bowel morbidity (7.4 vs. 15.4%, relative risk = 0.37; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.18, 0.74; p = 0.005; I2 = 0%) and TPN days (mean difference =-13.44 days; 95% CI: -26.68, -0.20; p = 0.05; I2 = 45%) compared to expectant delivery. The mean LOS was 39.2 days after near-term delivery and 48.7 days in the expectant group (p = 0.06). CONCLUSION: Based on the data analyzed, near-term elective delivery (GA 36-37 weeks) appears to be the optimal timing for delivery of pregnancies complicated by gastroschisis as it is associated with less bowel morbidity and shorter TPN days. However, more RCTs are necessary to better validate these findings.

Association of In Utero Antipsychotic Medication Exposure With Risk of Congenital Malformations in Nordic Countries and the US.

Importance: Psychiatric disorders are common among female individuals of reproductive age. While antipsychotic medication use is increasing, the safety of such medications in pregnancy is an area with large evidence gaps. Objective: To evaluate the risk of first-trimester antipsychotic exposure with respect to congenital malformations, focusing on individual drugs and specific malformation subtypes. Design, Setting, and Participants: This cohort study used data from nationwide health registers from the 5 Nordic countries and the US and spanned 1996 to 2018. The Nordic cohort included all pregnancies resulting in singleton live-born infants, and the US cohort consisted of publicly insured mothers linked to their live-born infants nested in the nationwide Medicaid Analytic eXtract. Data were analyzed from November 2020 to April 2022. Exposures: One or more first-trimester dispensing of any atypical, any typical, and individual antipsychotic drugs. Main Outcomes and Measures: Any major congenital malformation and specific malformation subtypes previously suggested to be associated with antipsychotic exposure in utero: cardiovascular malformations, oral clefts, neural tube defects, hip dysplasia, limb reduction defects, anorectal atresia/stenosis, gastroschisis, hydrocephalus, other specific brain anomalies, and esophageal disorders. Propensity score stratification was used to control for potential confounders. Pooled adjusted estimates were calculated using indirect standardization. Results: A total of 6 455 324 unexposed mothers (mean maternal age range across countries: 24-31 years), 21 751 mothers exposed to atypical antipsychotic drugs (mean age range, 26-31 years), and 6371 mothers exposed to typical antipsychotic drugs (mean age range, 27-32 years) were included in the study cohort. Prevalence of any major malformation was 2.7% (95% CI, 2.7%-2.8%) in unexposed infants, 4.3% (95% CI, 4.1%-4.6%) in infants with atypical antipsychotic drug exposure, and 3.1% (95% CI, 2.7%-3.5%) in infants with typical antipsychotic drug exposure in utero. Among the most prevalent exposure-outcome combinations, adjusted relative risks (aRR) were generally close to the null. One exception was olanzapine exposure and oral cleft (aRR, 2.1 [95% CI, 1.1-4.3]); however, estimates varied across sensitivity analyses. Among moderately prevalent combinations, increased risks were observed for gastroschisis and other specific brain anomalies after atypical antipsychotic exposure (aRR, 1.5 [95% CI, 0.8-2.6] and 1.9 [95% CI, 1.1-3.0]) and for cardiac malformations after chlorprothixene exposure (aRR, 1.6 [95% CI, 1.0-2.7]). While the association direction was consistent across sensitivity analyses, confidence intervals were wide, prohibiting firm conclusions. Conclusions and Relevance: In this study, considering the evidence from primary and sensitivity analyses and inevitable statistical noise for very rare exposure-outcome combinations, in utero antipsychotic exposure generally was not meaningfully associated with an increased risk of malformations. The observed increased risks of oral clefts associated with olanzapine, gastroschisis, and other specific brain anomalies with atypical antipsychotics and cardiac malformations with chlorprothixene requires confirmation as evidence continues to accumulate.

Resultados materno y perinatal de pacientes con diagnóstico prenatal de gastrosquisis en un centro de Medellín / Maternal and perinatal outcomes of patients with prenatal diagnosis of gastroschisis in a center in Medellin

Objetivo: Describir los resultados maternos y perinatales de pacientes con diagnóstico prenatal de gastrosquisis atendidos en un centro de referencia obstétrica de Medellín. Método: Estudio observacional, descriptivo y retrospectivo, llevado a cabo en la Clínica Universitaria Bolivariana en fetos con diagnóstico prenatal de gastrosquisis desde el 1 de enero de 2010 hasta el 31 de julio de 2021. Resultados: Se identificaron 54 gestantes con diagnóstico prenatal de gastrosquisis. En el 63% era su primer embarazo y el 27,8% eran adolescentes. La duración promedio de la gestación fue de 35 semanas y 6 días. La cesárea fue la vía más común (98,1%) y la indicación más frecuente fue sufrimiento de asa 66,7%. El 55,6% de los neonatos requirieron más de una intervención quirúrgica para el cierre de la pared abdominal. Las complicaciones más frecuentes fueron anemia (66,7%) e íleo posoperatorio (72,2%). La mortalidad fue del 13%. Conclusiones: Se evidencian algunas características similares a las reportadas en otras series. La mayor presentación fue en primer embarazo, la causa de finalización de la gestación fue sufrimiento de asas (demostrando la importancia del seguimiento ecográfico), y las complicaciones más frecuentes fueron anemia e íleo posoperatorio presentados por la prematuridad. La mortalidad comparada con la de otras instituciones locales fue menor.

Objective: To describe the outcomes of maternal and perinatal in patients diagnosed with prenatal gastroschisis that received medical care at an obstetric reference center in Medellin. Method: Observational, descriptive and retrospective study in fetuses with a prenatal diagnosis of gastroschisis performed in the Clínica Universitaria Bolivariana between January 1st 2010 and July 31st 2021. Results: Were included 54 pregnant women with prenatal diagnosis of gastroschisis. The 63% were their first pregnancy and 27,8% were adolescents. The average duration of gestation was 35 weeks and 6 days. Cesarean section was the most common way of delivery (98,1%) and the most frequent indication was suffering from loop (66,7%). The 55,6% of neonates required more than one surgical intervention for closure of the abdominal wall. The most frequent complications were anemia (66,7%) and postoperative ileus (72,2%). A mortality of 13% was presented. Conclusions: Some characteristics like reported in other series are evident. The greatest presentation was in the first pregnancy, the cause of termination of pregnancy was suffering from loops (demonstrating the importance of ultrasound monitoring) and the most frequent complications were anemia and postoperative ileus presented by prematurity. Mortality, compared to other local institutions, was lower.

Anatomy and embryology of abdominal wall defects.

Abdominal wall defects are one of the most frequently encountered human congenital anomalies. They are seen in as many as 1 in 2,000 live births with evidence to suggest that their incidence is increasing. While often discussed together abdominal wall defects consist mainly of two entities namely gastroschisis and omphalocele. There are marked differences in their theories of embryo-pathogenesis, clinical presentation/anatomy and overall outcomes. There is no clear consensus explaining the precise embryological mechanisms leading to the development of abdominal wall defects. Many clinicians and embryologists have attempted to explain the genesis of congenital abdominal wall defects because of failure of progression of various phases of normal embryonic development. This review summarizes the mechanisms involved in normal and abnormal development of the ventral abdominal wall leading to the development of gastroschisis and omphalocele.