Practice variation in gastroschisis: factors influencing closure technique.

BACKGROUND: Little is known about the factors influencing surgical practice variation in newborns with gastroschisis. The purpose of this study was to correlate prognostic variables with the intended and actual abdominal closure technique and assess related outcomes. METHODS: GS cases were abstracted from a national database. Variables evaluated included GA, BW, bowel injury severity (GPS), neonatal illness severity (SNAP-II), inborn status, center volume and training status, and admission time. Evaluated outcomes by closure method included duration of TPN, LOS, and complications. Descriptive, univariate and multivariable regression analyses were conducted. RESULTS: The cohort consisted of 679 patients. A total of 372 (55%) underwent attempted PR, of which 300 (81%) were successful, while 307 (45%) had a silo placed intentionally. Patients undergoing attempted PR were more likely to be inborn, have daytime admissions, and higher SNAP-II scores. Successful PR was predicted by low risk GPS and high volume center. With the exception of higher rates of SSI in the planned silo group, outcomes in the successful PR and planned silo groups were comparable. CONCLUSION: Practice variation related to type of closure is predicted by situational and institutional factors (outborn, nighttime admission, and center volume), while outcome variation is attributable to patient factors rather than practice variation.

Effect of timing of enteral feeding on outcome in gastroschisis.

BACKGROUND: Timely initiation of enteral nutrition is pivotal to outcome optimization in gastroschisis (GS). The purpose of our study was to analyze the effect of timing of first feeds on outcome. METHOD: GS cases accrued between May 2005 and August 2011 were abstracted from a national database. Risk variables evaluated included GA, illness severity, bowel injury severity, and post-closure days to first feed (DTF). The outcomes analyzed included duration of TPN, LOS, and infectious complications. Descriptive, univariate, and multivariate regression analyses were conducted. RESULTS: The study cohort comprised 570 cases (16% with "high risk" bowel injury). Group distribution by DTF was: 0-7 days (12%), 8-14 days (44%), 15-21 days (26%), and >21 days (17%), with a mean DTF of 17 ± 15 days. Mean durations of TPN and LOS were 44 ± 56 and 112 ± 71 days, respectively. DTF subgroups were comparable, except for a greater proportion of "high risk bowel injury" in DTF>21 days. Initiation of feeds between 8 and 21 days was associated with fewer TPN days and reduced LOS. Multivariate analyses revealed that TPN duration, LOS, and infectious complications were independently predicted by DTF. CONCLUSIONS: Post-closure DTF predicts outcome in GS, with best outcomes observed when feeds are started 7 days post-closure.