Perinatal management of gastroschisis: analysis of a newly established clinical pathway

Surgical Management of Omphalocele With Concurrent Ileal Atresia: A Case Report

Omphalocele, a congenital anomaly characterized by the protrusion of abdominal viscera through the umbilical ring, often presents challenges in surgical management, especially when concurrent with other anomalies such as intestinal atresia. We presented a case of a female infant weighing 2.6 kg born with omphalocele and concurrent ileal atresia. The child was successfully managed through prompt surgical intervention. Preoperative investigations revealed signs suggestive of intestinal obstruction, necessitating immediate surgical exploration. Intraoperatively, meticulous reduction of the omphalocele sac and resection of the atretic segment were performed. Postoperative care in the neonatal intensive care unit ensured optimal recovery. This case underscored the importance of timely intervention and multidisciplinary collaboration in managing complex congenital anomalies in neonates.

Nursing Care Plan for a Newborn with the Defect of Congenital Gastroschisis in the Postoperative Period Using ICNPTM and the Dedicated Software

Background: Congenital defect gastroschisis manifests as a defect in the sheath in the intestine of the newborn, which is not covered by the hernia sac. In this case, the priority task of the neonatal nurse is to diagnose patient care problems quickly and accurately. Choosing the correct care plan elements has a significant impact on shortening the duration of hospitalization, reducing the number and severity of complications, and preventing their recurrence. The purpose of this study was to formulate a care plan for a newborn with diagnosed congenital defect gastroschisis in the postoperative period, using the International Classification for Nursing Practice (ICNP^TM) within the nursing documentation and decision support system, the “ADPIECare Dorothea” software. Methods: After a review of the relevant literature and nursing documentation, a case study of a newborn with the congenital defect gastroschisis was described. A care plan was prepared using ICNP and the “ADPIECare” software. Results: It was possible to organize and standardize care plans to provide consistent and comprehensive professional nursing care. The system supporting nursing decisions suggested interventions personalized for the nursing diagnoses and to the patient needs. Conclusions: Our findings can help to optimize the nurse’s work organization to improve health care quality, outcomes, and effectiveness.

Gastroschisis: a systematic review of diagnosis, prognosis and treatment

OBJECTIVES

The present systematic review aims to investigate the diagnosis, prognosis, delivery assistance, pregnancy results and postnatal management in gastroschisis.

STUDY DESIGN

The following data sources were evaluated: The CINAHL, Embase and MEDLINE/PubMed databases were searched, observational and intervention studies published over the past 20 years. The quality of the studies was assessed using the Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development, and Evaluations (GRADE).

RESULTS

A total of 3770 infants diagnosed with gastroschisis were included (44 studies); 1534 fetuses were classified as simple gastroschisis and 288 as complex gastroschisis. Intrauterine fetal demise occurred in 0.47% and elective termination occurred in 0.13%. Preterm delivery occurred in 23.23% and intrauterine growth restriction in 4.43%. Cesarean section delivery was performed in 54.6%. Neonatal survival was 91.29%. The main neonatal complications were: sepsis (11.78%), necrotizing enterocolitis (2.33%), short bowel syndrome (1.37%), bowel obstruction (0.79%), and volvulus (0.23%). Immediate surgical repair was performed in 80.1% with primary closure in 69%. The average to oral feeding was 33 (range: 11-124.5) days. Average hospital duration was 38 days and 89 days in neonates with simple and complex grastroschisis, respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

The present systematic review provides scientific data for counseling families with fetal gastroschisis.

Risk stratification and outcome determinants in gastroschisis

Selection of outcome determinants and risk stratification are necessary to identify patients at higher risk for morbidity and mortality. This facilitates human and material resource allocation and allows for improved family counseling. While several different factors, including prenatal ultrasonographic bowel features, the timing and mode of delivery, and the features of bowel injury have been investigated in gastroschisis, there is still significant debate as to which of these best predicts outcome. This article reviews the different outcome predictors and risk prognostication schemata currently available in the literature to help guide clinicians caring for infants with gastroschisis.

Mode of delivery and outcomes of infants with gastroschisis: a meta-analysis of observational studies

BACKGROUND

There is controversy among the literature for electing caesarean section (CS) delivery for infants with gastroschisis in an attempt to reduce mortality and morbidity.

OBJECTIVE

This meta-analysis investigates whether there is enough evidence to support CS delivery over vaginal delivery.

DATA SOURCES

We conducted our search in April 2017. We searched Cochrane, Medline, Premedline, Embase, CINAHL, GoogleScholar and Web of Science. We also searched conferences for abstracts online. Additional studies were retrieved by reviewing reference lists.

STUDY SELECTION

Observational studies, excluding case series, were eligible if data compared relevant outcomes of infants with gastroschisis in relation to mode of delivery.

DATA EXTRACTION

Relevant information were extracted and assessed the methodological quality of the retrieved records.

RESULTS

Thirty-eight studies were included. Evidence suggested that mode of delivery is not significantly associated with overall mortality (OR 0.82, 95% CI 0.57 to 1.18), primary repair (OR 0.82, 95% CI 0.57 to 1.18), neonatal mortality (OR 1.08, 95% CI 0.54 to 2.15), necrotising enterocolitis, secondary repair, sepsis, short gut syndrome, duration until enteral feeding and duration of hospital stay. Furthermore, sensitivity analyses based on economic status and quality of study showed no significant difference between the impact of mode of delivery for all investigated outcomes.

LIMITATIONS

Due to uncontrolled variables between and within studies, particularly regarding characteristics of delivery and postdelivery care, it is difficult to extract meaningful results from the literature.

CONCLUSIONS

There is insufficient evidence to advocate the use of CS over vaginal delivery for infants with gastroschisis.

National Practice Patterns for Prenatal Monitoring in Gastroschisis: Gastroschisis Outcomes of Delivery (GOOD) Provider Survey

BACKGROUND

Gastroschisis is an abdominal wall defect with increasing incidence. Given the lack of surveillance guidelines among maternal-fetal medicine (MFM) specialists, this study describes current practices in gastroschisis management.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

An online survey was administered to MFM specialists from institutions affiliated with the North American Fetal Therapy Network (NAFTNet). Questions focused on surveillance timing, testing, findings that changed clinical management, and delivery plan.

RESULTS

Responses were obtained from 29/29 (100%) NAFTNet centers, comprising 143/371 (39%) providers. The majority had a regimen for antenatal surveillance in patients with stable gastroschisis (94%; 134/141). Antenatal testing began at 32 weeks for 68% (89/131) of MFM specialists. The nonstress test (55%; 72/129), biophysical profile (50%; 63/126), and amniotic fluid index (64%; 84/131) were used weekly. Estimated fetal weight (EFW) was performed monthly by 79% (103/131) of providers. At 28 weeks, abnormal EFW (77%; 97/126) and Doppler ultrasound (78%; 99/127) most frequently altered management. In stable gastroschisis, 43% (60/140) of providers delivered at 37 weeks, and 29% (40/ 140) at 39 weeks.

DISCUSSION

Gastroschisis management differs among NAFTNet centers, although the majority initiate surveillance at 32 weeks. Timing of delivery still requires consensus. Prospective studies are necessary to further optimize practice guidelines and patient care.

A novel approach in the treatment of neonatal gastroschisis: a review of the literature and a single-center experience

Gastroschisis is a congenital abdominal wall defect and its management remains an issue. We performed a review of the literature to summarize its evaluation, management and outcome and we describe a new type of surgical reduction performed in our center without anesthesia (GA), immediately after birth, in the delivery room. Between January 2002 and March 2013, we enrolled all live born infants with gastroschisis referred to the third-level Division of Obstetrics and Gynecology "San Camillo" of Rome. Two groups of infants were identified: group 1 in which gastroschis reduction was performed by the traditional technique and group 2 in which reduction was immediately performed after birth in the delivery room without GA. Twelve infants were enrolled in group 1, and seven infants in group 2. Statistical significance was observed between the groups regarding the hospital stay, for the duration of parenteral nutrition and full oral feeds (p = .004). Survival was similar between two groups. The reduction without GA performed immediately after birth in a delivery room encourages the relationship between the mother and her child and appears to be a safe and feasible technique in a selected group of patients with simple gastroschisis defect; for this reason, it could represent a valid alternative to traditional approach.

Predictive factors at birth of the severity of gastroschisis

AIM: To establish children born with gastroschisis (GS).

METHODS: We performed a retrospective study covering the period from January 2000 to December 2007. The following variables were analyzed for each child: Weight, sex, apgar, perforations, atresia, volvulus, bowel lenght, subjective description of perivisceritis, duration of parenteral nutrition, first nasogastric milk feeding, total milk feeding, necrotizing enterocolitis, average period of hospitalization and mortality. For statistical analysis, descriptive data are reported as mean ± standard deviation and median (range). The non parametric test of Mann-Whitney was used. The threshold for statistical significance was P < 0.05 (Two-Tailed).

RESULTS: Sixty-eight cases of GS were studied. We found nine cases of perforations, eight of volvulus, 12 of atresia and 49 children with subjective description of perivisceritis (72%). The mortality rate was 12% (eight deaths). Average duration of total parenteral nutrition was 56.7 d (8-950; median: 22), with five cases of necrotizing enterocolitis. Average length of hospitalization for 60 of our patients was 54.7 d (2-370; median: 25.5). The presence of intestinal atresia was the only factor correlated with prolonged parenteral nutrition, delayed total oral milk feeding and longer hospitalization.

CONCLUSION: In our study, intestinal atresia was our predictive factor of the severity of GS.

The correlation between the time spent in utero and the severity of bowel matting in newborns with gastroschisis

BACKGROUND

Optimal timing of delivery in fetuses with gastroschisis (GS) is unknown. Some favor early induced delivery to prevent bowel injury. This study evaluates the correlation between bowel injury and the gestational age at birth using the Gastroschisis Prognostic Score (GPS).

METHODS

A national database was analyzed from 2005 to 2013. Patients were pooled based on their gestational age at birth. The mean GPS and % of patients with severe bowel matting were tabulated for each week in utero. Regression modeling was used to evaluate the relationship between the dependent (severe matting and GPS) and independent (gestational age) variables and the R(2) coefficient of determination was derived to evaluate model strength. Additional factors influencing the timing of delivery were evaluated.

RESULTS

Of 780 cases, 88 were excluded because of missing data. A linear relationship is seen between increasing gestational age and decreasing bowel matting (R(2)=0.66) and GPS (R(2)=0.72). For every week in utero, the % of patients with severe matting decreases by 3.6%.

CONCLUSION

Early induced delivery simply to protect the bowel from ongoing in utero damage appears unfounded and should be reserved for evidence of closing gastroschisis or traditional obstetrical/fetal indications.

Surgical Treatment Results In Gastroschisis Based On Preterm Delivery Within The 34th Week Of Gestation By Caesarean Section

was to assess the value of the today’s appropriate approach, preterm delivery in the 34th week of gestation by Caesarean section and subsequent surgical intervention at the perinatal center, in daily practice of pediatric surgery with regard to early postoperative and mid-term outcome.

Over the time period of 9 years, all consecutive cases diagnosed with gastroschisis at the perinatal center, University Hospital of Magdeburg, were born by Caesarean section within the 34th week of gestation followed by surgical intervention. The registered data were compared with those published by other groups.

Overall, there were 19 cases through the investigation period from 01/01/2006 to 12/31/2014. The mean duration of gestation was 237.9 days. The mean birth weight was 2,276 g. In all individuals, a primary closure with no artificial material was achieved. The duration of postoperative artificial respiration was 2.3 days. Oral uptake could be initiated on the 10

The data indicate that in case of gastroschisis, primary closure can be more frequently achieved by section within the 34

Effect of delivery approach on outcomes in fetuses with gastroschisis

BACKGROUND/PURPOSE

There is considerable controversy regarding optimal mode and timing of delivery for fetuses with gastroschisis. Our objectives were to describe the variation in institutional approach regarding these factors, and to evaluate the effect of timing of delivery on outcomes in fetuses with gastroschesis.

METHODS

Members of the maternal-fetal medicine community across Canada were surveyed regarding their personal and institutional approach of delivery. Data from the Canadian Pediatric Surgery Network (CAPSnet) were analyzed.

RESULTS

The survey showed significant variability in delivery approach between institutions, although no center routinely performs cesarean section. Infants delivered vaginally (VD) were categorized into three groups: Group 1, VD <36 weeks (n=114); Group 2, VD 36-37 weeks (n=218); and Group 3, VD ≥38 weeks (n=75). Score of Neonatal Acute Physiology, complication rates, length of time on total parenteral nutrition (TPN), and length of hospital stay (LOS) were higher in Group 1; bowel matting was greater in Group 3. There were no differences between the groups regarding other complications.

CONCLUSIONS

Our data suggest that preterm delivery was associated with more complications, longer time on TPN, and longer LOS; delivery ≥38 weeks was associated with increased bowel matting. These outcomes should be considered when determining institutional protocol.

Metaanalysis of the prevalence of intrauterine fetal death in gastroschisis

OBJECTIVE

The objective of this study was to review the medical literature that has reported the risk for intrauterine fetal death (IUFD) in pregnancies with gastroschisis.

STUDY DESIGN

We systematically searched the literature to identify all published studies of IUFD and gastroschisis through June 2011 that were archived in MEDLINE, PubMed, or referenced in published manuscripts. The MESH terms gastroschisis or abdominal wall defect were used.

RESULTS

Fifty-four articles were included in the metaanalysis. There were 3276 pregnancies in the study and a pooled prevalence of IUFD of 4.48 per 100. Those articles that included gestational age of IUFD had a pooled prevalence of IUFD of 1.28 per 100 births at ≥36 weeks' gestation. The prevalence did not appear to increase at >35 weeks' gestation.

CONCLUSION

The overall incidence of IUFD in gastroschisis is much lower than previously reported. The largest risk of IUFD occurs before routine and elective early delivery would be acceptable. Risk for IUFD should not be the primary indication for routine elective preterm delivery in pregnancies that are affected by gastroschisis.

Isolated abdominal wall defect with complete liver herniation without a covering or remnant membrane: an ominous sign: case report and review of literature

Complete liver herniation in abdominal wall defects without a membrane is rare and its prognosis is not well documented. We present a case diagnosed at 12 weeks of gestation. At 27 weeks, a C-section was performed for fetal distress. The infant proved impossible to ventilate and died. In literature, 16 similar cases are described of whom 14 died in the neonatal period and two in infancy. This suggests that herniation of the complete liver in isolated abdominal wall defects without a remnant membrane is lethal and counselling should be provided accordingly.

When is primary cesarean appropriate: fetal indications

The objective of this review was to assess the evidence that supports cesarean delivery for fetal indications. The main fetal reasons for abdominal delivery include abnormal fetal heart rate patterns in labor, malpresentation, fetal macrosomia, multiple gestation, and both functional and structural fetal abnormalities. Although the level of evidence is not as strong as anticipated, there is sufficient support for cesarean delivery when these fetal conditions complicate pregnancy. Efforts to decrease cesarean delivery for fetal indications in the current medicolegal environment will not be easy; however, the development of more sensitive tools to assess fetal well-being in labor and practices to deliver or reduce fetuses in breech presentation at term have the potential for greatest impact on the overall primary cesarean delivery rate.

Advances in surgery for abdominal wall defects: gastroschisis and omphalocele

Abdominal wall defects (AWDs) are a common congenital surgical problem in fetuses and neonates. The incidence of these defects has steadily increased over the past few decades due to rising numbers of gastroschisis. Most of these anomalies are diagnosed prenatally and then managed at a center with available pediatric surgical, neonatology, and high-risk obstetric support. Omphaloceles and gastroschisis are distinct anomalies that have different management and outcomes. There have been a number of recent advances in the care of patients with AWDs, both in the fetus and the newborn, which will be discussed in this article.

Long-term neurodevelopmental outcomes in children born with gastroschisis: the tiebreaker

PURPOSE

We evaluated 2-year neurodevelopmental outcomes in children with gastroschisis.

METHODS

We reviewed the records of children with gastroschisis treated between August 2001 and July 2008. Children discharged from the neonatal intensive care unit were referred to the state-sponsored Developmental Tracking Infant Progress Statewide (TIPS) program. We reviewed TIPS assessments performed before age 2 years. School districts evaluated children referred by TIPS and determined their eligibility for early intervention services. Poor outcomes were defined as scores of "failure" or "moderate/high risk" on the screening assessment or enrollment in early intervention services by 2 years. Children with gastroschisis were compared with case-matched nonsurgical, nonsyndromic children of similar gestational age and birth weight.

RESULTS

One hundred five children were born with gastroschisis, and 46 were followed up with TIPS. There was no statistically significant difference in performance on screening assessments or in the rate of enrollment in early intervention services between the gastroschisis children and controls.

CONCLUSIONS

Children born with gastroschisis have similar 2-year neurodevelopmental outcomes as nonsurgical, nonsyndromic neonatal intensive care unit children of similar gestational age and birth weight. Both groups of children have a higher rate of enrollment in early intervention than their healthy peers. These data suggest that neurodevelopmental outcomes in gastroschisis children are delayed secondary to prematurity rather than the presence of the surgical disease.

Effects of multidisciplinary prenatal care and delivery mode on gastroschisis outcomes

BACKGROUND/PURPOSE

This study examined the effects of multidisciplinary prenatal care and delivery mode on gastroschisis outcomes, with adjustment for key confounding variables.

METHODS

This retrospective cohort study included all gastroschisis patients treated at a single tertiary children's hospital between 1999 and 2009. Prenatal care, delivery mode (vaginal vs cesarean section before labor vs after labor), patient characteristics, and clinical outcomes were determined by chart review. Time to discontinuation of parenteral nutrition (PN) was the primary outcome of interest. Effects of multidisciplinary prenatal care and delivery mode were evaluated using Cox proportional hazards regression models that included gestational age, birth weight, sex, concomitant intestinal complications, and year of admission.

RESULTS

Of 167 patients included, 46% were delivered vaginally, 69% received multidisciplinary prenatal care, and median time to PN discontinuation was 38 days. On multivariable modeling, gestational age, uncomplicated gastroschisis, and year of admission were significant predictors of early PN independence. Delivery mode and prenatal care had no independent effect on outcomes, although patients receiving multidisciplinary prenatal care were more likely to be born at term (49% vs 27%, P = .01).

CONCLUSIONS

Gestational age and intestinal complications are the major determinants of outcome in gastroschisis. Multidisciplinary prenatal care may facilitate term delivery.

Perinatal predictors of outcome in gastroschisis

OBJECTIVE

To identify perinatal risk variables predictive of outcome in gastroschisis.

STUDY DESIGN

Gastroschisis cases were collected over a 3-year period from a national database. Risk variables evaluated included gestational age (GA), birth weight, time of birth, admission illness severity (score for neonatal acute physiology-II, SNAP-II) score, and abdominal closure type. Mortality and survival outcomes were analyzed. Multivariate analyses were performed.

RESULT

In all, 239 infants were survived (96%). SNAP-II score predicted mortality (relative risk (RR)=1.07, 95% confidence interval (CI)=1.0 to 1.1). Length of hospital stay (LOS) and ventilation days were predicted by GA and by SNAP-II score. SNAP-II score predicted total parenteral nutrition (TPN) days (P=0.006). Severe cholestasis (conjugated bilirubin of >10 mg per 100 ml) was inversely related to GA (RR=0.77, 95% CI=0.61 to 0.97) and directly to categorical SNAP-II score (RR=3.4, 95% CI=1.2 to 10.1). Urgent closure predicted fewer TPN days (P=0.003) and shorter LOS (P=0.0002).

CONCLUSION

SNAP-II scores significantly predict mortality and survival outcomes. Urgent closure favors fewer TPN days and shorter LOS. Our data refute routine preterm delivery in gastroschisis.

Gastroschisis: an update

Gastroschisis (GS) continues to increase in frequency, with several studies now reported an incidence of between 4 and 5 per 10,000 live births. The main risk factor would seem to be young maternal age, and it is in this group that the greatest increase has occurred. Whilst various geographical regions confer a higher risk, the impact of several other putative risk factors, including smoking and illicit drug use, may be less important than when first identified in early epidemiological studies. Over 90% of cases of GS will now be diagnosed on antenatal ultrasound, but its value in determining the need for early delivery remains unclear. There would appear no clear evidence for either routine early delivery or elective caesarean section for infants with antenatally diagnosed GS. Delivery at a centre with paediatric surgical facilities reduces the risk of subsequent morbidity and should represent the standard of care. The relative roles of primary closure, staged closure and ward reduction, with or without general anaesthesia, appear less clear with considerable variation between centres in both the use of these techniques and subsequent surgical outcomes. Survival rates continue to improve, with rates well in excess of 90% now routine. The limited long-term developmental data available would suggest that normal or near-normal outcomes may be expected although there remains a need for further studies.

Intestinal venous congestion as a complication of elective silo placement for gastroschisis

Use of a spring-loaded silastic silo has been advocated as a means of gentle reduction of the herniated bowel, while avoiding the possible complications of primary closure of gastroschisis. We recently encountered intestinal venous congestion during elective silo reduction of gastroschisis. Two babies with gastroschisis were treated postdelivery with a spring-loaded silo placed under the fascial defect and the eviscerated bowel suspended within the silo. Patient #1 had no bowel matting. On day of life 2, the bowel within the silo was noted to be dusky. The silo was removed, and the bowel was indeed congested, but viable. Complete reduction with a modified Bianchi closure was performed at the bedside. Patient #2 had severe matting of the bowel and did not require intubation for silo placement. As daily reductions progressed, the bowel was noted to be congested on day 2. On day 3, removal of the silo revealed frank bowel necrosis with impending perforation. Two-thirds of the small bowel required resection, leaving the child with short bowel. Venous congestion within a silo should be given prompt attention, including removal of the silo, as bowel infarction may result.

Is timing everything? The influence of gestational age, birth weight, route, and intent of delivery on outcome in gastroschisis

BACKGROUND/PURPOSE

Optimal perinatal treatment in gastroschisis remains uncertain. We sought to determine the effect of gestational age (GA), birth weight (BW), and intended and actual route of delivery on outcomes in gastroschisis.

METHODS

Cases were abstracted from a national gastroschisis database. Outcomes analyzed by route of delivery, delivery plan conformity, BW, and GA included survival, closure success, ventilation days, total parenteral nutrition days, and length of hospital stay. Logistic regression for continuous and categorical variables was performed.

RESULTS

One hundred ninety-two babies (56% male) born at mean GA of 36.1 +/- 2.1 weeks, with mean BW of 2536 +/- 557 g, were included. One hundred eighty-three (95%) survived. Of 145 pregnancies with an antenatal delivery plan, vaginal delivery was intended in 77% and actually occurred in 119 pregnancies, with the remainder being planned (33; 17%) or emergency (40; 21%) cesarean deliveries. A delivery conforming to the antenatal plan occurred in 74 (51%). Birth weight and GA were significant inverse predictors of ventilator and total parenteral nutrition days and length of hospital stay, but not survival. Delivery route did not predict any outcome; however, "nonconformers" were born at lower BW and GA than "conformers," and they showed trends toward poorer nonmortality outcomes.

CONCLUSIONS

Gestational age, BW, and conformity to an antenatal birth plan are predictors of outcome in gastroschisis, whereas actual route of delivery is not.

Contemporary postnatal surgical management strategies for congenital abdominal wall defects

Early definitive closure of abdominal wall defects is possible in most cases. Staged reduction does offer distinct advantages, and mortality and morbidity may be better. Risk stratification may produce outcome and tailor management of difficult cases in the form of a clinical pathway. Stem cell technology may, in the future, offer the ideal allogenic prosthesis in complex cases.

Scheduled preterm delivery for gastroschisis improves postoperative outcome

There are some evidence to suggest that careful antenatal monitoring, scheduled preterm delivery and immediate abdominal wall closure may reduce gastroschisis morbidity. We hypothesised that the advantages of a scheduled preterm delivery balance possible complications related to prematurity. A retrospective study was performed including all cases of gastroschisis born between 1990 and 2004 (n = 69). Cases were categorised in two groups. Group 1 contained gastroschisis cases born between 1990 and 1997. Group 2 contained cases occurring since 1997, when a new management pathway for gastroschisis was established: weekly evaluation of the foetal gut by ultrasound (>28 weeks), corticosteroids, and delivery by scheduled caesarean section at 35 weeks (before if evidence of bowel compromise was present). The primary endpoints of this study were the initiation of oral feeding and the number of re-operation for intestinal obstruction. There was a significantly faster initiation of oral feeding (P < 0.0001), however, duration of parenteral nutrition (34 vs. 38 days) and hospital discharge (53 vs. 58.5 days) was not reduced. There was no complication due to prematurity in group 2. Postoperative outcome was improved with less need for muscular stretching or prosthetic patch and less re-operation for intestinal obstruction (P < 0.05). Scheduled and elective preterm delivery facilitates surgical procedure and shortens the time to first feeding. A delivery at 35 weeks (preferring vaginal delivery) seems to be a good compromise between risks related to prematurity and complications related to intestinal peel.

Early elective cesarean delivery before 36 weeks vs late spontaneous delivery in infants with gastroschisis

PURPOSE

The aim of this study is to assess the value of early elective cesarean delivery for patients with gastroschisis in comparison with late spontaneous delivery.

METHODS

Analysis of infants with gastroschisis admitted between 1986 and 2006 at a tertiary care center was performed. The findings were analyzed statistically.

RESULTS

Eighty-six patients were involved in the study. This included 15 patients who underwent emergency cesarean delivery (EM CD group) because of fetal distress and/or bowel ischemia. The remaining 71 patients born electively were stratified into 4 groups. The early elective cesarean delivery (ECD) group included 23 patients born by ECD before 36 weeks; late vaginal delivery (LVD) group included 23 patients who had LVD after 36 weeks; 24 patients had LCD after 36 weeks because of delayed diagnosis that resulted in late referral; and 1 patient had early spontaneous vaginal delivery (EVD group) before 36 weeks. The mean time to start oral feeding, incidence of complications, and primary closure were significantly better in the ECD group than in the LVD group. The duration of ventilation and the length of stay were shorter in ECD group, but the difference was not statistically significant.

CONCLUSION

Elective cesarean delivery before 36 weeks allows earlier enteral feeding and is associated with less complications and higher incidence of primary closure (statistically significant).

Cesarean delivery and its impact on the anomalous infant

Although cesarean deliveries frequently are performed for anomalous fetal conditions, available data do not always support a fetal benefit from this delivery management. The literature on cesarean delivery for anomalous infants reports insufficient information on comorbid neonatal conditions, so these complications are unknown in this population of newborns. In a minority of cases, a cesarean delivery is reasonable to prevent dystocia or optimize outcome. Areas for future investigation include prospective, randomized, controlled trials of prelabor cesarean compared with vaginal deliveries for myelomeningocele and anterior abdominal wall defects. The rarity of other lesions likely precludes randomized controlled trials.

Gastroschisis and omphalocele: treatments and long-term outcomes

Between February 1994 and April 2004, we treated 40 children with gastroschisis and 26 children with omphalocele. We recorded the course of pregnancy, pre- and post-natal complications, delivery, operation, post-operative therapy, and long-term outcomes. Additionally, we conducted follow-up examinations of 37 of these 66 children (56%). We analysed their abdominal musculature, development, cosmetic result and quality of life. The median duration of follow-up was 6.3 years (range 1-10). In 35/40 children (88%) with gastroschisis and in 18/26 children (69%) with omphalocele, there had been prenatal diagnosis. The average maternal age of 23.9 years in the gastroschisis group was lower than in the omphalocele group (29.9 years). Delivery was by caesarean section in 93% of the gastroschisis group and 65% of the omphalocele group. Outcomes following vaginal delivery were no worse than those after caesarean section. Further, congenital abnormalities were shown in 28% of gastroschisis cases, and were limited to the gastrointestinal tract. Of the omphalocele cases 81% showed further abnormalities. Direct closure of the abdominal wall defect was possible in 31/40 (78%) of the gastroschisis cases and 15/26 (58%) of the omphalocele cases. Mortality in gastroschisis was nil; two children with omphalocele died (8%). Outcomes were better after primary closure than in stepwise reconstruction. Follow-up showed good results in all categories. Developmental delays were rapidly made up after treatment, and 75% of the children had no gastrointestinal problems, or suffered from these rarely. Almost all the children were of normal weight and height, and physical and intellectual development were delayed in only one third of the children. The surgical scar was rated as good or very good in about 80% of the cases. Except for those with severe defects, the children had good ratings for quality of life. Improvements in short-term results of gastroschisis and omphalocele treatment can be attributed to recent developments in prenatal diagnosis and the advancements of centralised perinatal care. Our long-term results clearly demonstrate that initial gastrointestinal problems and developmental delays were made up during the first two years of life. Prenatal counselling can now be more optimistic.

Gastroschisis and exomphalos in Ireland 1998-2004. Does antenatal diagnosis impact on outcome?

Antenatal detection of anterior abdominal wall defects (gastroschisis and exomphalos) enables detailed prenatal planning and counselling with appropriate intrauterine transfer, delivery in a tertiary referral centre with prompt access to paediatric surgery and early surgical intervention. The authors believed that there was a relatively low rate of antenatal detection in Ireland and that an improved antenatal screening program would allow increased detection thus avoiding emergency retrievals from peripheral obstetric centres. Our hypothesis was that there was a significant difference in management and outcome in children with anterior abdominal wall defects detected antenatally and those detected at birth. All anterior abdominal wall defects in The Republic of Ireland are assessed and closed in two surgical centres, Our Lady's Hospital for Sick Children, and the Children's University Hospital, Dublin. A retrospective review of all admissions in both centres revealed 96 neonates with anterior wall defects (excluding bladder exstrophy and cloaca) over a 7 year period from 1998 to 2004 inclusive. Medical records, operative reports, neonatal databases and admission details were reviewed. The antenatal data search included anomaly detection, prenatal management plan and intrauterine transfer. Perinatal data included place of birth, weight, gestational age, mode of delivery, time to surgery and type of surgery, the time to establish full enteral feeding and the length of hospital stay were used as overall markers of outcome. Fifty-three patients had gastroschisis and 43 exomphalos with an antenatal detection rate of 53% (n = 28) and 34% (n = 15), respectively, with an overall detection rate of 44%. There was no significant difference in the median birth weight (2.83 vs. 2.85 kg), gestational age at birth (37 vs. 37 weeks), time to full feeding (12 vs.14 days) and length of stay (20 vs. 17 days) between those detected antenatally or postnatally, respectively. About 77 had a primary closure performed of which 63 infants had surgery within the first 24 h of life. There was no difference in the time to surgery, frequency of complications or the surgical outcome in either group. Intrauterine transfer did not affect any outcome measure assessed. The demographics and the presence of associated anomalies did not differ between the groups. The hypothesis that antenatal diagnosis in anterior abdominal wall defects improves outcome has been demonstrated to be false. Despite this result, the importance of antenatal screening and prenatal management of complex foetal conditions with consultation with experienced paediatric and neonatal staff is without doubt.

Outcomes of Pregnancies With Fetal Gastroschisis

OBJECTIVE

To describe pregnancy outcomes with fetal gastroschisis, including the associations of prenatal ultrasound findings with neonatal surgical complications and other morbidities.

METHODS

This was a review of pregnancies complicated by fetal gastroschisis and delivered from January 1998 through June 2006. The last ultrasonogram before delivery was reviewed to determine stomach dilatation, bowel dilatation, or abnormalities of amniotic fluid volume. Neonatal records were reviewed to determine type of closure and any bowel complications.

RESULTS

There were 66 pregnancies with gastroschisis, 1 per 2,000 deliveries. There were three stillbirths and three neonatal deaths. Delayed closure was necessary in 49% who underwent surgery. Birth weight below the third percentile, which occurred in 38%, was associated with need for delayed closure, 64% compared with 25% without growth restriction, P<.001, but was not associated with longer hospital stay or neonatal death. Fetal gastroschisis was diagnosed by prenatal ultrasonography in 58 cases. Bowel complications requiring surgery were more frequent when ultrasonography had demonstrated stomach dilatation (five cases), 60% compared with 10%, P=.002. Fetuses with defects so large that no normal ventral wall could be visualized ultrasonographically (three cases) were at increased risk for neonatal death, 100% compared with 0%, P<.001.

CONCLUSION

Ultrasound findings associated with adverse outcome in fetal gastroschisis included stomach dilatation and a defect so large that no normal ventral wall could be visualized. Fetal growth restriction was common, and such infants were more likely to require delayed gastroschisis closure. Despite more than 90% survival, morbidity with gastroschisis remains high.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

II.

Factors determining outcome in gastroschisis: clinical experience over 18 years

Although the survival in gastroschisis has improved to more than 85%, serious morbidity with consequent long hospital stay is still very common. Alternative strategies such as planned early delivery and amniotic fluid exchange are being explored. In order to evaluate these approaches, adequate risk stratification of patients with gastroschisis is required. The aim of this study was to identify the risk factors associated with increased morbidity and mortality. A retrospective analysis of all patients with gastroschisis treated at our institution between 1988 and 2005 was conducted. Patients' data were collected from the files and compared for statistical significance with three outcome measures: (1) complicated post-operative course; (2) time to full enteral feeding (TFE); (3) length of hospital stay (LOS). SPSS was used for statistical analysis. Fifty-nine newborns with gastroschisis were admitted during the study period. Antenatal diagnosis was made in 40 cases (68%). Associated malformations (other than intestinal anomalies) were present in eight patients. One patient with trisomy 13 was excluded from the analysis. Ten patients (17%) had compromised bowel (atresia, severe ischaemia or a combination). Primary repair was successful in 47 (81%) and in 11 patients a silo was applied. Overall survival was 54/58 children (93%), four patients died. Complications associated with closure occurred in eight patients. Post-operative course was uncomplicated in 45 patients and complicated in 13. The RR for patients with compromised bowel to have a complicated post-operative course is 9 (95% CI 2-39) and the RR to die is 20 (95% CI 2-222) for these patients. Risk stratification of patients with gastroschisis appears possible based on the presence of compromised bowel before closure.

The outcome of newborns with abdominal wall defects according to the method of abdominal closure: the experience of a single center

Recent reports suggest that the technique of abdominal closure in neonates with anterior abdominal wall defects (AWD) correlates with the outcome. The aim of this study is to analyze factors related to mortality and morbidity, according to the technique of abdominal closure of these neonates. Retrospective analysis of charts from 76 consecutive neonates with AWD treated in a single institution. They were divided according to the type of abdominal wall closure: group I: primary closure, group II: silo followed by primary closure and group III: silo followed by polypropylene mesh. Outcome was analyzed separately for neonates with gastroschisis and omphalocele. There were 13 deaths (17.1%). Mortality for neonates with isolated defects was 9.6%. Mortality rate was similar in all groups for either neonates with gastroschisis or omphalocele. Postoperative complications were not significantly different among groups except for a prolonged time of hospitalization in group III. Mortality rate is not correlated with the type of abdominal closure. Neonates with primary closure or with other methods of abdominal wall closure had similar rate of postoperative complications. Neonates with mesh closure of the abdomen have prolonged hospitalization. The use of a polypropylene mesh is a good alternative for neonates whose primary closure or closure after silo placement is not possible.

Splanchnic perfusion pressure: a better predictor of safe primary closure than intraabdominal pressure in neonatal gastroschisis

BACKGROUND/PURPOSE

Both measured intraabdominal pressure (IAP) and calculated splanchnic perfusion pressure (SPP) have been advocated for use in operative management of gastroschisis. We directly compared these 2 clinical indices.

METHODS

Institutional review board-approved multi-institutional retrospective review from 3 centers with 112 subjects. Splanchnic perfusion pressure was recorded as mean arterial pressure-IAP. We compared the clinical utility of IAP and SPP using univariate and multivariate regression analyses.

RESULTS

Calculated mean SPP was higher among neonates requiring silo placement compared to those without (39.0 +/- 1.9 vs 33.7 mm Hg, P < .01). Measured IAP levels were similar between groups (11.5 +/- 1.1 vs 10.0 +/- 0.5, mm Hg, P < .4). On a receiver operating characteristic curve, the inflection point for more than 90% specificity for silo placement was at an SPP of 44. In multivariate regression analysis adjusting for all factors below, SPP was independently associated with silo placement (odds ratio 1.2, 95% confidence interval 1.1-1.3, P < .01), and IAP was not (odds ratio 1.2, 95% confidence interval <1.0-1.5, P < .1).

CONCLUSIONS

These data suggest that SPP is a stronger predictor than IAP for the ability to achieve primary closure in the management of neonatal gastroschisis. We infer from these data that intraoperative SPP of more than 43 mm Hg may obviate the need for silo placement.