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.

[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.

Development of a low-cost congenital abdominal wall defect simulator (wall-go) for undergraduate medical education: a validation study.

BACKGROUND: Congenital Anomalies were responsible for 303,000 deaths in the neonatal period, according to the WHO, they are among the world's top 20 causes of morbidity and mortality. Expensive simulators demonstrate several diseases, but few are related to congenital anomalies. This study aims to develop, validate, and evaluate low-cost simulator models (WALL-GO) of the most common abdominal wall defects, gastroschisis, and omphalocele, to enable diagnosis through an accessible tool with study value and amenable to replication. METHODS: Market research was conducted to find materials to build low-cost models. The researchers built the model and underwent validation assessment of the selected experts who scored five or more in the adapted Fehring criteria. The experts were assessed through a 5-point Likert scale to 7 statements (S1-7). Statements were assigned values according to relevance in face and transfer validities. Concomitantly, the model was also evaluated by students from 1st to 5th year with the same instruments. Content Validity Indexes (CVIs) were considered validated between groups with concordance greater than 90%. Text feedback was also collected. Each statement was subjected to Fisher's Exact Test. RESULTS: Gastroschisis and omphalocele model costs were US $15 and US $27, respectively. In total, there were 105 simulator evaluators. 15 experts were selected. Of the 90 students, there were 16 (1st year), 22 (2nd), 16 (3rd), 22 (4th), and 14 (5th). Students and experts obtained CVI = 96.4% and 94.6%, respectively. The CVIs of each statement were not significantly different between groups (p < 0,05). CONCLUSIONS: The WALL-GO models are suitable for use and replicable at a manufacturable low cost. Mannequins with abdominal wall defects are helpful in learning to diagnose and can be applied in teaching and training health professionals in developing and low-income countries.

Assessment of the neonatal referral and transport system for patients with gastroschisis in Kenya.

PURPOSE: To assess the neonatal referral and transport system for gastroschisis patients referred to a tertiary level hospital in Kenya. METHODS: This was a prospective cross-sectional study carried out at Kenyatta National Hospital (KNH) which recruited patients with gastroschisis using consecutive sampling approach. Data were collected on pre-, intra-transit factors, time and distance covered. Assessment was done using pre and intra transit factors as per the standard transport protocols in literature. RESULTS: Twenty-nine patients presented with gastroschisis during the eight month study period. Mean age was 7.07 h. There were 16 (55.2%) males and 13 (44.8%) females. Mean birthweight was 2020 g, and a mean gestational age of 36.5 weeks. Mean duration of transit was 5 h. Mean distance from referring facility was 153.1 km. Most affected factors in the pre-transit protocol were lack of monitoring chart (0%), comment on blood investigations (0%), gastric decompression (3.4%), and prenatal obstetric scan (44.8%). For intra-transit scores, most affected were incubator use (0%), bowel monitoring (0%), functioning nasogastric tube (13.8%), and adequate bowel cover (34.5%). CONCLUSION: This study demonstrates that pre-transit and transit care of neonates with gastroschisis is inadequate in Kenya. Interventions needed, as identified by this study, to promote care of neonates with gastroschisis are advised.

Early growth and body composition assessed by air displacement plethysmography in infants born with simple gastroschisis.

BACKGROUND: Gastroschisis is an abdominal wall malformation usually associated with impaired growth. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the growth and body composition of infants born with simple gastroschisis in a referral center. METHODS: This was a single-center, prospective case series of infants with simple gastroschisis who were measured at birth, at discharge, and at 3 months. Body composition was assessed via air-displacement plethysmography at discharge and at 3 months. The results were compared with those reported for healthy infants at an equivalent gestational age. RESULTS: Simple gastroschisis infants were lighter and smaller at birth and remained similar at 3 months. All anthropometric z scores decreased from birth to discharge, followed by an increase but not a full recovery toward 3 months. Overall, gastroschisis infants had a similar FM percentage, FM% (11.1 ± 4.7), but a lower FFM, FFM (2481 ± 478 g), at discharge. FM% (18.5 ± 5.3) decreased at 3 months, and FFM remained lower (3788 ± 722 g) but improved between the two exams. Boys had significantly more FFM than girls at both evaluations. The multiple regression analysis showed that male sex, prematurity, total parenteral nutrition duration, and exclusive breast milk diets were associated with differences in body composition. CONCLUSIONS: Infants with simple gastroschisis cared for in a referral center experienced growth failure at discharge and showed a similar FM% but lower FFM than healthy infants. At 3 months, they exhibited smaller FM% and FFM, but FFM improved after the first exam, representing a better protein accretion. TYPE OF STUDY: Prognostic. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: IV.

Gastroschisis in Mozambique: current status and priorities for improving care from Hospital Central de Maputo, the largest and referral hospital of the country.

PURPOSE: Historically, gastroschisis was considered a death sentence in Mozambique. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the current state of gastroschisis management and outcomes in our facility and to identify potential areas of improvement in neonatal and surgical care. METHODS: A retrospective study was performed of all gastroschisis patients admitted to Hospital Central Maputo located in Maputo City/ Mozambique from 2019 to 2020. Demographic, perinatal, operative, and mortality data were obtained from neonatal and surgical logbooks. Descriptive analysis was performed. RESULTS: A total of 62 gastroschisis patients were admitted to the Hospital Central Maputo. No patients had a prenatal diagnosis. Many of the infants were born preterm (48%), and 68% had low birth weight. Only 15 (24%) patients underwent operative intervention (73% primary fascial closure and 27% sutured silo). There were only three survivors (5%) all of whom underwent primary closure. However, the overall survival rate for patients undergoing an attempt at surgical closure was 20%. CONCLUSION: While the mortality rate remains high for gastroschisis patients in Mozambique, there have been a few survivors when surgery is performed. Improvements in neonatal care are needed. Given the high mortality rates and limited resources, we plan to focus our surgical efforts on bedside closure techniques.

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.

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.

Abdominal Wall Defects: A Review of Current Practice Guidelines.

The 2 most common congenital abdominal wall defects are gastroschisis and omphalocele. Gastroschisis is a defect in the abdominal wall with exposed abdominal contents. Mortality rates are low but lengths of stay are often prolonged by bowel dysmotility and other intestinal abnormalities in complicated cases. Omphalocele is a defect through the umbilical cord with herniated abdominal contents covered by a sac. It is associated with other genetic abnormalities and other anomalies that can lead to significant morbidity and mortality. Prenatal diagnosis in both conditions allows for improved prenatal consultation and coordinated perinatal care to improve clinical outcomes.

Management of Abdominal Wall Defects.

Congenital abdominal wall defects vary from abdominal wall hernias to severe congenital structural anomalies that include gastroschisis, omphalocele, and prune belly syndrome. The conditions often carry various associated anomalies and require multidisciplinary treatment approaches. Complex surgical reconstructive techniques are frequently required and prenatal, perioperative, and long-term follow-up is critical to ensuring the best possible outcomes.

Comparison of three risk stratification scores in gastroschisis neonates: gastroschisis prognostic score, gastroschisis risk stratification index and complex gastroschisis.

PURPOSE: The aim of the study was to compare and evaluate the utility of three different risk stratification scores for gastroschisis neonates; simple/complex gastroschisis, gastroschisis prognostic score and risk stratification index. METHODS: Data of neonates born with gastroschisis between the years 1993 and 2015 were collected. The national registers and patient records of four Finnish University Hospitals were retrospectively reviewed. Logistic and linear regression analysis were performed to identify independent predictors for adverse outcomes. The efficacy of these prognostic methods was further assessed using ROC-curves and DeLong (1988) test. RESULTS: Gastroschisis risk stratification index was an acceptable predictor of in-hospital mortality, AUC 0.70, 95% CI 0.48-0.91, p = 0.049. Complex gastroschisis and gastroschisis prognostic score were able to predict short bowel syndrome, AUC 0.80, 95% CI 0.58-1.00, p = 0.012 and AUC 0.80, 95% CI 0.59-1.00, p = 0.012, respectively. CONCLUSION: There are three easily obtainable risk stratification scores for outcome prediction in gastroschisis patients, however, their predictive ability did not have a statistical difference in the present study. The Gastroschisis risk stratification index seemed to perform moderately well in mortality prediction.

Gastroschisis for the Gastroenterologist: Updates on Epidemiology, Management, and Outcomes.

Gastroschisis is a common congenital abdominal wall defect, likely influenced by environmental factors in utero, with increasing prevalence in the United States. Early detection of gastroschisis in utero has become the standard with improved prenatal care and screening. There are multiple surgical management techniques, though sutureless closure is being used more frequently. Postoperative feeding difficulty is common and requires vigilance for complications, such as necrotizing enterocolitis. Infants with simple gastroschisis are expected to have eventual catch-up growth and normal development, while those with complex gastroschisis have higher morbidity and mortality. Management requires collaboration amongst several perinatal disciplines, including obstetrics, maternal fetal medicine, neonatology, pediatric surgery, and pediatric gastroenterology for optimal care and long-term outcomes.