The association of gastroschisis with other congenital anomalies: how important is it?

OBJECTIVE: To report the prevalence of the association between gastroschisis and other anomalies, their prenatal characteristics and the postnatal follow-up. METHOD: Prenatal and postnatal data from all patients with gastroschis prenatally diagnosed between January 1998 and December 2006 were reviewed concerning the presence of associated anomalies. RESULTS: Gastroschisis was prenatally diagnosed in 108 fetuses. Associated anomalies were identified in 14 cases (prevalence of 13.0%), with prenatal diagnosis being made in 5 (35.7%) patients. Postnatal examination revealed the association of other anomalies in nine other newborns not observed during prenatal examinations. Maternal age, parity, gestational age at diagnosis and birth, delivery mode and birth weight were similar in cases with 'isolated gastroschisis' and associated anomalies (p > 0.05). Survival rates in the 'isolated gastroschisis group' and 'associated anomaly group' were 91.5 and 78.6% (p > 0.05), respectively. The median time before oral feeding tended to be longer (but not statistical significantly) in the 'associated anomaly group' (32, range: 5-720 days) compared to the 'isolated gastroschisis group' (22, range: 5-180 days; p = 0.06), but with a significantly longer permanence in neonatal intensive care unit (p = 0.04). CONCLUSION: This study highlights the importance of identifying other anomalies when evaluating fetuses with gastroschisis to permit counselling concerning the postnatal outcomes.