The effect of amnio-allantoic fluid pH on the intestines: an experimental study in the chick embryo gastroschisis model.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND/PURPOSE: Prolonged exposure to amniotic fluid causes the intestinal changes such as serosal edema, thickening, fibrous coating, and adhesions in gastroschisis. The effect of amnio-allantoic fluid (AAF) pH on intestines was evaluated using a chick embryo gastroschisis model. METHODS: Seventy fertile eggs were divided into 5 groups preliminary study (PS, n = 20), AAF control (AAC, n = 10), just gastroschisis (JG, n = 10), gastroschisis pretreated with placebo (GPP, n = 15), and gastroschisis pretreated with sodium bicarbonate (GPS, n = 15). The PS group was also divided into 2 subgroups to determine the biochemical differences between the amniotic and the allantoic fluid. Gastroschisis was created surgically at the 14th day of incubation. In GPS group, 8.4% NaHCO(3) solution (0.1 mL/100 mg/d) was instilled into the AAF for 4 days. RESULTS: A significant decrease in intestinal damage was observed both macroscopically and microscopically in the group GPS compared with the JG and GPP groups. CONCLUSIONS: Pretreatment with alkalization of AAF prevented intestinal damage because of gastroschisis. Alkalization could be a simple alternative for pretreatment with amniotic fluid exchange for human fetuses with gastroschisis.