Growth and developmental outcomes of infants with gastroschisis at one year of age: a retrospective study

Long-Term Neurodevelopmental Outcomes in Children with Gastroschisis: A Review of the Literature

This study aimed to investigate and present a review of the literature on long-term neurodevelopmental outcomes in children with gastroschisis. Gastroschisis is the most common abdominal wall defect. Children with gastroschisis are at high risk for premature birth, intestinal failure, sepsis, and repeated anesthesia exposure, which collectively increase the risk for adverse long-term neurodevelopmental outcomes. The existing literature on neurodevelopmental outcomes is limited in number, quality, and generalizability, creating a gap in clinical knowledge and care. Five internet databases were searched by a professional research librarian: Ovid MEDLINE, Scopus, Web of Science, PsycINFO, and Cochrane Library. Included articles were (1) published in English, (2) included postneonatal hospital discharge neurodevelopmental outcomes of children with gastroschisis, and (3) included patients under the age of 18 years. No date parameters were applied. The paucity of literature on long-term neurodevelopmental outcomes in gastroschisis children has left large gaps in the body of knowledge on post-hospital care of such children. In this review, 37 articles were found evaluating neurodevelopmental outcomes in gastroschisis and, while conclusions were contradictory, the literature broadly indicated the potential for neurodevelopmental deficits in the gastroschisis pediatric population. A significant limitation of this review was the heterogeneous samples included in available literature, which confounded the ability to determine cognitive risk of gastroschisis independent of other abdominal wall defects. Findings of this review demonstrate potential risk for neurodevelopmental deficits in the pediatric gastroschisis population exist, yet additional research is needed to definitively predict the significance, type, onset, and trajectory of neurodevelopmental impairment in this population. The significant gaps in long-term outcomes data have elucidated the need for prospective, longitudinal investigation of various cognitive domains in homogenous gastroschisis populations to properly evaluate prevalence of neurodevelopmental deficits and guide recommendations for long-term clinical care. KEY POINTS: · Limited literature exists regarding long-term neurodevelopmental outcomes in gastroschisis.. · There is some evidence to suggest worse cognitive behavioral outcomes in gastroschisis over time.. · Developmental surveillance, screening, and evaluation may be beneficial for gastroschisis patients..

Longitudinal growth of children born with gastroschisis or omphalocele

Normal childhood growth is an indicator of good health, but data addressing the growth of children born with abdominal wall defects (AWDs) are limited. The detailed growth phenotypes of children born with gastroschisis or omphalocele are described and compared to peers without AWDs from birth to adolescence. Data from 183 gastroschisis and 144 omphalocele patients born between 1993 and 2017 were gathered from Finnish nationwide registers and electronic health records. Weight (n = 3033), length/height (n = 2034), weight-for-length (0-24 months, n = 909), and body mass index measures (2-15 years, n = 423) were converted into sex- and age-specific Z-scores. Linear mixed models were used for comparisons. Intrauterine growth failure was common in infants with gastroschisis. Birth weight Z-scores in girls and boys were - 1.2 (0.2) and - 1.3 (0.2) and length Z-scores - 0.7 (0.2) and - 1.0 (0.2), respectively (p < 0.001 for all comparisons to infants without AWDs). During early infancy, growth failure increased in infants with gastroschisis, and thereafter, catch-up growth was prominent and faster in girls than in boys. Gastroschisis children gained weight and reached their peers' weights permanently at 5 to 10 years. By 15 years or older, 30% of gastroschisis patients were overweight. Infants with omphalocele were born with a normal birth size but grew shorter and weighing less than the reference population until the teen-age years.

CONCLUSION

Children with gastroschisis and omphalocele have distinct growth patterns from fetal life onwards. These growth trajectories may also provide some opportunities to modulate adult health.

WHAT IS KNOWN

• Intrauterine and postnatal growth failure can be seen frequently in gastroschisis and they often show significant catch-up growth later in infancy. It is assumed that part of the children with gastroschisis will become overweight during later childhood.

WHAT IS NEW

 • The longitudinal growth of girls and boys with gastroschisis or omphalocele is described separately until the teenage years. The risk of gaining excessive weight in puberty was confirmed in girls with gastroschisis.

Feeding Practice, Nutrition, and Growth in Infants with Abdominal Wall Defects and Esophageal Atresia: A Retrospective Case-Control Study

INTRODUCTION

 Infants born with abdominal wall defects and esophageal atresia (EA) are at risk of impaired growth. Little is known about the optimal nutritional strategy and its impact on growth for these infants. This study aims to explore nutrition, focusing on breastfeeding, and the presumed impact on infant growth during the first year of life.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

 We performed a registry study. The participants comprised infants born with gastroschisis, omphalocele, or EA from 2009 to 2020. Breastfed healthy infants from the Odense Child Cohort served as the control group. Descriptive statistics were applied when presenting data on nutrition. Growth data were converted to weight z-scores at birth and at discharge, and estimated weight z-scores at 6 and 12 months were calculated. Univariate regression analysis was applied.

RESULTS

 The study included 168 infants in the study group and 403 infants in the control group. Exclusive breastfeeding rates at discharge were as follows: 55.7% (gastroschisis), 58.3% (omphalocele), 50.9% (EA), and 7.7% (long-gap EA). For the study group our data demonstrate no difference in growth at 1 year of age when comparing mother's milk to formula feeding. During the first year of life, infants in the study group showed slower growth compared with the control group. At 12 months of age, all infants had a mean weight z-score above -2.

CONCLUSION

 Breastfeeding in infants with abdominal wall defects and EA can be established without compromising growth. Mother's milk can be recommended for infants with abdominal wall defects and EA.

Growth and risk of adverse neurodevelopmental outcome in infants with congenital surgical anomalies: a systematic review

Survival of infants with congenital anomalies requiring surgical correction has increased dramatically, shifting the focus of clinical care and research toward optimising growth and neurodevelopment.To determine the impact of growth on neurodevelopmental outcomes of infants with congenital surgical anomalies. Studies that reported association of growth with developmental outcomes in infants with congenital anomalies who had surgery, were eligible for inclusion. The search strategy was prospectively drafted, and relevant studies were identified by electronic searches. The Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL, The Cochrane Library 2022, issue 1), MEDLINE and EMBASE from their earliest date to February 2022 were searched. Seven studies met the inclusion criteria. Variability in selection of growth measures, developmental assessment tools and assessment endpoints for neurodevelopment, precluded a meta-analysis. Four studies reported the association between growth and neurodevelopmental outcomes in infants with gastroschisis with two noting adverse outcomes in infants who were small for gestational age. Birthweight, reported in four studies, was not associated with adverse developmental outcomes. Postnatal growth, reported in three studies, was associated with adverse outcome. The data linking growth restriction in infants with congenital surgical anomalies and neurodevelopmental outcome is limited. There is limited published research examining the longitudinal effects of intra- and extra-uterine growth parameters on neurodevelopmental outcomes.

Anesthetic Exposure During Childhood and Neurodevelopmental Outcomes: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis

IMPORTANCE

Clinical studies of neurodevelopmental outcomes after anesthetic exposure have evaluated a range of outcomes with mixed results.

OBJECTIVE

To examine via meta-analyses the associations between exposure to general anesthesia and domain-specific neurodevelopmental outcomes in children.

DATA SOURCES

PubMed/MEDLINE, Embase, CINAHL, Web of Science and the Cochrane Library were searched from inception to August 31, 2021.

STUDY SELECTION

Inclusion criteria were exposures to procedures requiring general anesthesia at younger than 18 years and evaluation of long-term neurodevelopmental function after exposure. Studies lacking unexposed controls or focused on children with major underlying comorbidities were excluded.

DATA EXTRACTION AND SYNTHESIS

Extracted variables included effect size; hazard, risk, or odds ratio; number of exposures; procedure type; major comorbidities; age of exposure and assessment; presence of unexposed controls; and study design. Studies were independently reviewed by 2 coders, and review was conducted in accordance with the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines. Data were pooled using a random-effects model.

MAIN OUTCOMES AND MEASURES

The main outcomes were standardized mean differences (SMD) for scores in the neurodevelopmental domains of academics, behavioral problems, cognition, executive function, general development, language, motor function, nonverbal reasoning, social cognition, and hazard and risk of neurodevelopmental disorder diagnoses.

RESULTS

A total of 31 studies contributed data for meta-analysis. For each of the assessed neurodevelopmental domains, the numbers of children evaluated ranged from 571 to 63 315 exposed and 802 to 311 610 unexposed. Children with any exposure (single or multiple) had significantly worse behavioral problems scores, indicating more behavioral problems (SMD, -0.10; 95% CI, -0.18 to -0.02; P = .02), and worse scores in academics (SMD, -0.07; 95% CI -0.12 to -0.01; P = .02), cognition (SMD, -0.03; 95% CI, -0.05 to 0.00; P = .03), executive function (SMD, -0.20; 95% CI, -0.32 to -0.09; P < .001), general development (SMD, -0.08; 95% CI, -0.13 to -0.02; P = .01), language (SMD, -0.08; 95% CI, -0.14 to -0.02; P = .01), motor function (SMD, -0.11; 95% CI, -0.21 to -0.02; P = .02), and nonverbal reasoning (SMD, -0.15; 95% CI, -0.27 to -0.02; P = .02). Higher incidences of neurodevelopmental disorder diagnoses were also reported (hazard ratio, 1.19; 95% CI, 1.09 to 1.30; P < .001; risk ratio, 1.81; 95% CI, 1.25 to 2.61; P = .002).

CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE

These findings support the hypothesis that associations between anesthetic exposure during childhood and subsequent neurodevelopmental deficits differ based on neurodevelopmental domain.

Childhood Educational Outcomes of Children Born with Gastroschisis

OBJECTIVE

To compare third grade literacy and mathematics test proficiency among children born with gastroschisis vs unaffected controls and identify predictors of academic proficiency among these children.

STUDY DESIGN

Infants born with gastroschisis (2000-2005) were identified from the Arkansas Reproductive Health Monitoring System. For each case, 2 controls were selected at random from birth certificates and matched for hospital and month of birth, sex, and race/ethnicity. Data on rehospitalization within the first 6 years and payer data were abstracted from the Arkansas Hospital Inpatient Discharge database. Surviving cases and controls were linked to the Arkansas Department of Education database containing achievement test scores. The primary outcome was proficiency, defined as performance at or above grade level, on third grade achievement tests. Cases and controls who did not attend public schools could not be linked to education records. Multivariable logistic regression models evaluated the association between study characteristics and academic proficiency.

RESULTS

The final study cohort included 47 cases and 63 controls. There was no statistically significant difference in the rate of literacy (68% vs 81%; P = .65) or mathematics proficiency (89% vs 87%; P = .15) between cases and controls. On multivariable analysis, a complex gastroschisis (defined as atresia, volvulus, necrosis, or perforation of the bowel) was associated with lower proficiency in literacy (aOR, 0.1; 95% CI, 0.02-0.58; P = .01). No neonatal or maternal characteristics predictive of lower proficiency in mathematics were identified.

CONCLUSIONS

Among children born with gastroschisis, the presence of a complex gastroschisis was associated with lower proficiency on third grade literacy achievement tests.

Neurodevelopmental outcome of patients with congenital gastrointestinal malformations: a systematic review and meta-analysis

AIM

Children with congenital gastrointestinal malformations may be at risk of neurodevelopmental impairment due to challenges to the developing brain, including perioperative haemodynamic changes, exposure to anaesthetics and postoperative inflammatory influences. This study aggregates existing evidence on neurodevelopmental outcome in these patients using meta-analysis.

METHOD

PubMed, Embase and Web of Science were searched for peer-reviewed articles published until October 2019. Out of the 5316 unique articles that were identified, 47 studies met the inclusion criteria and were included. Standardised mean differences (Cohen's d) between cognitive, motor and language outcome of patients with congenital gastrointestinal malformations and normative data (39 studies) or the studies' control group (8 studies) were aggregated across studies using random-effects meta-analysis. The value of (clinical) moderators was studied using meta-regression and diagnostic subgroups were compared.

RESULTS

The 47 included studies encompassed 62 cohorts, representing 2312 patients. Children with congenital gastrointestinal malformations had small-sized cognitive impairment (d=-0.435, p<0.001; 95% CI -0.567 to -0.302), medium-sized motor impairment (d=-0.610, p<0.001; 95% CI -0.769 to -0.451) and medium-sized language impairment (d=-0.670, p<0.001; 95% CI -0.914 to -0.425). Patients with short bowel syndrome had worse motor outcome. Neurodevelopmental outcome was related to the number of surgeries and length of total hospital stay, while no relations were observed with gestational age, birth weight, age and sex.

INTERPRETATION

This study shows that children with congenital gastrointestinal malformations exhibit impairments in neurodevelopmental outcome, highlighting the need for routine screening of neurodevelopment during follow-up.

Growth from Birth to 30 months for Infants Born with Congenital Gastrointestinal Anomalies and Disorders

OBJECTIVE

This study aimed to investigate growth among neonates with gastrointestinal disorders.

STUDY DESIGN

Inclusion criteria included neonates with gastroschisis, omphalocele, intestinal atresia, tracheoesophageal fistula, Hirschsprung's disease, malabsorption disorders, congenital diaphragmatic hernia, and imperforate anus born between 2010 and 2018. Anthropometrics were collected for the first 30 months, and a subgroup analysis was performed for gastroschisis infants.

RESULTS

In 61 subjects, 13% developed severe growth failure within the first month. One-, four-, and nine-month weight and length z-scores were less than birth weight in all infants (p < 0.05). In infants with gastroschisis, a similar pattern was observed for weight z-scores only (p < 0.05). From birth to 15 months, head circumference z-score increased over time in all infants (p = 0.001), while in gastroschisis infants, weight, length, and head circumference z-scores increased over time (p < 0.05).

CONCLUSION

In a cohort of infants with gastrointestinal disorders, growth failure was followed by catch-up growth.

Growth Failure Prevalence in Neonates with Gastroschisis : A Statewide Cohort Study

OBJECTIVES

To perform a multicenter study to assess growth failure in hospitalized infants with gastroschisis.

STUDY DESIGN

This study included neonates with gastroschisis within sites in the University of California Fetal Consortium. The study's primary outcome was growth failure at hospital discharge, defined as a weight or length z score decrease >0.8 from birth. Regression analysis was performed to assess changes in z scores over time.

RESULTS

Among 125 infants with gastroschisis, the median gestational age was 37 weeks (IQR 35-37). Length of stay was 32 days (23-60); 55% developed weight or length growth failure at discharge (28% had weight growth failure, 42% had length growth failure, and 15% had both weight and length growth failure). Weight and length z scores at 14 days, 30 days, and discharge were less than birth (P < .01 for all). Weight and length z scores declined from birth to 30 days (-0.10 and -0.11 z score units/week, respectively, P < .001). Length growth failure at discharge was associated with weight and length z score changes over time (P < .05 for both). Lower gestational age was associated with weight growth failure (OR 0.70 for each gestational age week, 95% CI 0.55-0.89, P = .004).

CONCLUSIONS

Growth failure, in particular linear growth failure, is common in infants with gastroschisis. These data suggest the need to improve nutritional management in these infants.

Gastroschisis: A State-of-the-Art Review

Gastroschisis, the most common type of abdominal wall defect, has seen a steady increase in its prevalence over the past several decades. It is identified, both prenatally and postnatally, by the location of the defect, most often to the right of a normally-inserted umbilical cord. It disproportionately affects young mothers, and appears to be associated with environmental factors. However, the contribution of genetic factors to the overall risk remains unknown. While approximately 10% of infants with gastroschisis have intestinal atresia, extraintestinal anomalies are rare. Prenatal ultrasound scans are useful for early diagnosis and identification of features that predict a high likelihood of associated bowel atresia. The timing and mode of delivery for mothers with fetuses with gastroschisis have been somewhat controversial, but there is no convincing evidence to support routine preterm delivery or elective cesarean section in the absence of obstetric indications. Postnatal surgical management is dictated by the condition of the bowel and the abdominal domain. The surgical options include either primary reduction and closure or staged reduction with placement of a silo followed by delayed closure. The overall prognosis for infants with gastroschisis, in terms of both survival as well as long-term outcomes, is excellent. However, the management and outcomes of a subset of infants with complex gastroschisis, especially those who develop short bowel syndrome (SBS), remains challenging. Future research should be directed towards identification of epidemiological factors contributing to its rising incidence, improvement in the management of SBS, and obstetric/fetal interventions to minimize intestinal damage.

Factors that Influence Longitudinal Growth from Birth to 18 Months of Age in Infants with Gastroschisis

OBJECTIVE

This study aimed to investigate factors that influence growth in infants with gastroschisis.

STUDY DESIGN

Growth parameters at birth, discharge, 6, 12, and 18 months of age were collected from 42 infants with gastroschisis.

RESULTS

The mean z-scores for weight, length, and head circumference were below normal at birth and decreased between birth and discharge. Lower gestational age correlated with a worsening change in weight z-score from birth to discharge (rho 0.38, p = 0.01), but not with the change in weight z-score from discharge to 18 months (rho 0.04, p = 0.81). There was no correlation between the day of life when the enteral feeds were started and the change in weight z-score from birth to discharge (rho 0.12, p = 0.44) or discharge to 18 months (rho -0.15, p = 0.41).

CONCLUSION

Our study demonstrates that infants with gastroschisis experience a significant decline in weight z-score between birth and discharge, and start to catch up on all growth parameters after discharge. Prematurity in gastroschisis infants is associated with a greater risk for weight loss during this time. This information emphasizes the importance of minimizing weight loss prior to discharge in premature infants with gastroschisis and highlights the need for optimal management strategies for these infants.

Assessing Long-term Neurodevelopmental Outcome Following General Anesthesia in Early Childhood: Challenges and Opportunities

Neurodegeneration has been reported in young animals after exposure to all commonly used general anesthetic agents. The brain may be particularly vulnerable to anesthetic toxicity during peak synaptogenesis (in gestation and infancy). Human studies of long-term neurodevelopmental outcome following general anesthesia in early childhood report contradictory findings. This review assesses the strengths and deficiencies in human research methodologies to inform future studies. We identified 76 studies, published between 1990 and 2017, of long-term neurodevelopmental outcome following early childhood or in utero general anesthesia exposure: 49 retrospective, 9 ambidirectional, 17 prospective cohort studies, and 1 randomized controlled trial. Forty-nine studies were explicitly concerned with anesthetic-induced neurotoxicity. Full texts were appraised for methodological challenges and possible solutions. Major challenges identified included delineating effects of anesthesia from surgery, defining the timing and duration of exposure, selection of a surgical cohort and intervention, addressing multiple confounding life course factors, detecting modest neurotoxic effects with small sample sizes (median, 131 children; interquartile range, 50–372), selection of sensitive neurodevelopmental outcomes at appropriate ages for different developmental domains, insufficient length of follow-up (median age, 6 years; interquartile range, 2–12 years), and sample attrition. We discuss potential solutions to these challenges. Further adequately powered, multicenter, prospective randomized controlled trials of anesthetic-induced neurotoxicity in children are required. However, we believe that the inherent methodological challenges of studying anesthetic-induced neurotoxicity necessitate the parallel use of well-designed observational cohort studies.

Neurodevelopmental outcomes of infants with intestinal failure at 12 and 26 months corrected age

BACKGROUND

Survival rates of infants with intestinal failure (IF) are increasing, yet multiple medical factors may impact development.

AIMS

This study examines neurodevelopmental outcomes at 12-15 and 26-32 months corrected age in a cohort of children with IF.

STUDY DESIGN

Prospective single centre neurodevelopmental assessments of children admitted to an intestinal rehabilitation program between 2011 and 2013. Outcome measures include: Mullen Scales of Early Learning (12 and 26 months), and Vineland-II Adaptive Behaviour Scales - Caregiver Report (26 months). Standard scores were correlated with medical and demographic factors.

RESULTS

Thirty-one children (17 males), median gestational age 34 weeks (IQR 30-36) with birth weight (BW) 2.12 kg (IQR 1.24-2.52). Ten (32.2%) were dependent on parental nutrition (PN) at the second assessment. At 12 months, 11/30 (36.7%) scored below average (>1SD below mean) on the early learning composite and 24/30 (80%) were below average on the gross motor subscale. Comparatively, at 26 months, mean early learning scores were significantly lower with >50% scoring below average. Mean gross motor scores remained low, and 14/27 (51.9%) were below average on the Vineland-II motor domain. At 12 months, factors significantly associated with lower scores are primarily related to prematurity. At 26 months, the impact of IF-related variables such as bowel length and PN days are more apparent.

CONCLUSION

Children with IF are at risk of developmental delay in multiple domains. While gross motor skills appear to be most significantly affected, cognitive deficits become more apparent at 26 months, highlighting the importance of early developmental follow up.

Body composition and cognition in preschool-age children with congenital gastrointestinal anomalies

BACKGROUND

Children with congenital gastrointestinal anomalies (CGIAs) experience multiple stressors while hospitalized in neonatal intensive care units during an essential time of growth and development. Early stress and inadequate nutrition are linked to altered growth patterns and later neurodevelopmental delays. In other at-risk populations, improved fat-free mass (FFM) accretion is associated with improved cognitive outcomes.

OBJECTIVE

To determine if body composition is associated with cognitive function in preschool-age children with CGIAs.

STUDY DESIGN

An observational study examined body composition and cognition in 34 preschool-age children with CGIAs. Anthropometric measurements and body composition testing via air displacement plethysmography were obtained. Measurements were compared with a reference group of healthy, term-born children. Cognition was measured with the NIH Toolbox Early Childhood Cognition Battery. Linear regression was used to test the association of body composition with cognitive function.

RESULTS

Compared with the reference group, children with CGIAs had similar anthropometric measurements (weight, height, and body mass index z-scores) and body composition at preschool-age. Processing speed scores were lower than standardized means (p = 0.001). Increased FFM was associated with higher receptive vocabulary scores (p = 0.001), cognitive flexibility scores (p = 0.005), and general cognitive function scores (p = 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

At preschool-age, children with CGIAs have similar growth and body composition to their peers. In children with CGIAs, higher FFM was associated with higher cognitive scores. Closer tracking of body composition and interventions aimed at increasing FFM may improve long-term outcomes in this population.

Motor Proficiency and Generalized Self-Efficacy Toward Physical Activity in Children With Intestinal Failure

OBJECTIVE

Survival rates of children with intestinal failure have increased; however, associated co-morbidities may affect long-term motor developmental outcomes. This study evaluates motor proficiency and generalized self-efficacy toward physical activity (PA) in children ages 6 to 12 years with intestinal failure.

METHODS

This is an observational, cross-sectional study of children followed in a multidisciplinary intestinal rehabilitation program. Motor proficiency was assessed using the Bruininks-Oseretsky Test of Motor Proficiency-2 Short Form (BOT-2 SF) and the Scales of Independent Behavior (parent-proxy report). Children completed the Children's Self-Perceptions of Adequacy in and Predilection for Physical Activity (CSAPPA) and a PA questionnaire. Relevant demographic and medical variables were correlated with assessment results.

RESULTS

Participants include 30 children (18 males), median age 7 years (interquartile range [IQR] 6-9) with gestational age 35 weeks (IQR 32-39) and birth weight 2.13 kg (IQR 1.68-2.77). Thirteen (43%) were dependent on parenteral nutrition. Fifteen (50%) scored below average on the BOT-2 SF. Lower BOT-2 SF scores were significantly associated with lower CSAPPA scores (r = 0.480, P = 0.01), with a common barrier to PA being the presence of a central line or enterostomy tube. Gestational age, height z scores, length of hospital admissions, and number of septic events were all significantly correlated with lower scores in motor proficiency. Number of septic events and total parenteral nutrition days were significant predictors of lower BOT-2 SF scores, when adjusting for birth weight.

CONCLUSIONS

Multiple medical variables related to intestinal failure may affect motor proficiency and PA self-efficacy. Developmental follow-up is important to optimize motor skill development and promote PA participation.

Medium and long-term outcomes of gastroschisis

As survival of gastroschisis patients has improved significantly, it has become apparent that longitudinal follow up strategies need to be developed. Problems concerning patients with gastroschisis are usually associated with gastrointestinal morbidity, but there is mounting evidence that also neurodevelopmental, cognitive, behavioral and late-onset auditory sequelae exist. The presence of associated anomalies, as well as complex features (bowel atresia, necrosis, volvulus, perforation) increase morbidity and impact long-term outcomes. Multidisciplinary follow-up is required, and the key elements of such follow-up are presented here.

Health-related quality of life and neurodevelopmental outcomes among children with intestinal failure

Treatment results of pediatric intestinal failure have improved markedly during the last decades. With improved survival the attention is turning to other essential outcomes including quality of life and neurodevelopment. So far, relatively few studies with limited number of patients and variable methodology have addressed these issues. Based on these studies using generic health related quality of life tools, children with intestinal failure demonstrate decreased physical health, while PN-dependence is also associated with compromised emotional functioning. Impairments of social functioning are frequently observed among older children and parents. Few recent studies on neurodevelopment imply significant impairments in motor and mental skills among children with intestinal failure despite small sample sizes and limited follow-up times. Development of a disease-specific survey designed for the pediatric intestinal failure population could better reveal the health issues with greatest impact on quality of life. Robust studies with appropriate methodology on neurodevelopment in pediatric intestinal failure with extended follow-up times are urgently needed. Quality of life and neurodevelopment requires greater attention from medical professionals managing children with intestinal failure.

Impaired growth outcomes in children with congenital colorectal diseases

BACKGROUND

Cloaca, Hirschsprung disease, and anorectal malformations (CHARM) are congenital anomalies of the hindgut. Small series have suggested that children suffering from one of these anomalies may be at risk for growth impairment. We sought to expand on these findings in a comprehensive cohort, hypothesizing that patients with Medicaid insurance or African-American (AA) race would be at higher risk for poor growth.

METHODS

Following Institutional Review Board (IRB) approval, single-institution retrospective review of children with CHARM anomalies was performed (2009-2016). Body mass index (BMI) value Z-scores were obtained using the 2006 World Health Organization (age 0-24 mo) and 2000 Centers for Disease Control (CDC) (age >2 y) growth charts and calculators (statistical analysis system). Patient factors and BMI Z-scores were analyzed with descriptive statistics and Fisher's exact test.

RESULTS

One hundred sixty-six patients (Cloaca n = 16, Hirschsprung disease [HD] n = 71, anorectal malformation [ARM] n = 79) were identified. The BMI Z-score distribution for the entire CHARM cohort was lower than controls (P < 0.0001). HD and ARM BMI Z-scores were also lower versus controls (P < 0.0007, P < 0.0037). Requiring more or less than the average number of surgeries did not impact BMI Z-score [P = non-significant (NS)]. Patients with Medicaid had lower Z-scores versus private or commercial insurance (P < 0.0001). AA race BMI Z-score distribution was lower than controls (P < 0.0002), but there was no statistical difference in BMI Z-scores when comparing AA versus non-AA CHARM patients (P = NS).

CONCLUSIONS

Patients born with CHARM anomalies are at risk for impaired growth. Furthermore study is warranted to identify modifiable risk factors contributing to this impairment. Longitudinal follow-up should include interventions to mitigate these risks.

Prenatal markers and longitudinal follow-up in simple and complex gastroschisis

OBJECTIVE

We aimed to identify gestational-age corrected prenatal ultrasound markers of complex gastroschisis, and to compare physical growth and neurodevelopment between children with simple and complex gastroschisis.

DESIGN

We included prenatally diagnosed gastroschisis patients from 2000 to 2012 who joined our longitudinal follow-up programme. Associations between complex gastroschisis and prenatal ultrasound markers collected at 30 weeks' gestation and prior to delivery were tested using logistic regression. Physical growth (SD scores (SDS)), mental and psychomotor developmental index (MDI, PDI; Bayley Scales of Infant Development) were recorded at 12 and 24 months. Data were analysed using general linear models and compared with population norms.

RESULTS

Data of 61 children were analysed (82% of eligible cases). Extra-abdominal bowel dilatation at 30 weeks' gestation was significantly associated with complex gastroschisis (OR (95% CI): 5.00 (1.09 to 22.98)), with a high negative (88%) but low positive (40%) predictive value. The mean (95% CI) height SDS at 12 months (-0.46 (-0.82 to -0.11)), and weight SDS at 12 and 24 months (-0.45 (-0.85 to -0.05), and -0.44 (-0.87 to -0.01), respectively) fell significantly below 0 SDS. MDI and PDI were significantly below 100 at 24 months; 93 (88 to 99) and 83 (78 to 87), respectively). Children with complex gastroschisis had a significantly lower PDI (76 (68 to 84)) than those with simple gastroschisis (94 (90 to 97), p<0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

Prenatal ultrasound markers could not reliably distinguish between simple and complex gastroschisis. Children with complex gastroschisis may be at increased risk for delayed psychomotor development; they should be monitored more closely, and offered timely intervention.

Cognition and behaviour in children with congenital abdominal wall defects

AIM

To characterise neurodevelopment at age two years and cognition and behaviour at age five years in children born with abdominal wall defects (gastroschisis or exomphalos).

STUDY DESIGN

Participants were treated as neonates for gastroschisis or exomphalos and invited for routine clinical follow-up at ages two and five years. Thirty-nine two year-olds and 20 five year-olds with gastroschisis and 20 two year-olds and 10 five year-olds with exomphalos returned for age-appropriate assessments of development (two years) and intellectual functioning (IQ), executive function, and behavioural problems. Results were compared with normative data from the tests and published data from local term-born children.

RESULTS

For both gastroschisis and exomphalos two year-olds, neurodevelopment was in line with the test normative data, but below the level of local normative data for all domains (effect sizes from -0.4 to -1.4 standard deviations). At five years, children with gastroschisis performed similarly to the normative mean for IQ but had high rates of various executive functioning problems on parent report (18-41% compared with 7% expected from norms). There was also a tendency for increased frequency of internalising problems (33% compared with normative expectation of 16%). Five year-olds with exomphalos also performed similarly to the normative mean for IQ and had low rates of executive and behavioural problems.

CONCLUSIONS

Survivors of gastroschisis and exomphalos may be at risk of poor neurodevelopment in toddlerhood, depending on the reference group, and children with gastroschisis may be particularly at risk for executive functioning difficulties despite an IQ within normal limits.

Functional outcome at school age of children born with gastroschisis

OBJECTIVE

We aimed to determine motor, cognitive and behavioural outcomes of school aged children born with gastroschisis compared to matched controls.

STUDY DESIGN

We compared outcomes of 16 children born with gastroschisis treated at the University Medical Center Groningen, the Netherlands, between 1999 and 2006 with 32 controls matched for gender, gestational age, birth weight, and corrected for small for gestational age (SGA) and parental socioeconomic status (SES). Intelligence, auditory-verbal memory, attention, response inhibition, visual perception, motor skills, visuomotor integration, problem behaviour and executive functioning were evaluated.

RESULTS

Median verbal intelligence quotient and global executive functioning scores of children born with gastroschisis were poorer than of controls (95 (inter quartile range (IQR) 88-100) vs. 104 (IQR 98-113), P=0.001, and 29 (IQR 6.8-63.8) vs. 5.0 (IQR 2.8-19.8), P=0.03, respectively). Children with gastroschisis were more often classified as borderline or abnormal than controls regarding response inhibition (odds ratio (OR) 20.4; 95%-confidence interval (95%-CI); 2.4-171.5), selective visual attention (OR 40.4; 95%-CI 5.9-275.4), sustained auditory attention (OR 88.1; 95%-CI 5.8-1342.8), and fine motor skills (50% vs. 0%). Grade retention was more prevalent in gastroschisis children (OR 6.07; 95%-CI 1.42-25.9). These associations persisted after adjustment for SGA and SES. The auditory-verbal memory, visuomotor integration and behavioural problems did not significantly differ from the controls.

CONCLUSIONS

Gastroschisis is associated with poorer verbal intelligence, and with an increased risk for poor performance on several aspects of attention, response inhibition and fine motor skills at school age. The follow-up of children born with gastroschisis deserves attention regarding these specific domains, to improve their functional outcomes.

High mortality among children with gastroschisis after the neonatal period: A long-term follow-up study

BACKGROUND

During the last decades neonatal outcomes for children born with gastroschisis have improved significantly. Survival rates >90% have been reported. Early prenatal diagnosis and increased survival enforce the need for valid data for long-term outcome in the pre- and postnatal counseling of parents with a child with gastroschisis.

METHODS

Long-term follow-up on all newborns with gastroschisis at Odense University Hospital (OUH) from January 1 1997-December 31 2009. Follow-up included neonatal chart review for neonatal background factors, including whether a GORE^®DUALMESH was used for staged closure, electronic questionnaires, interview and laboratory investigations. Cases were divided into complex and simple cases according to the definition by Molik et al. (2001). Survival status was determined by the national personal identification number registry. Because of the consistency of the registration, survival status was obtained from all children participating in the study.

RESULTS

A total of 71 infants (7 complex and 64 simple) were included. Overall seven out of the 71 children (9.9%, median age: 52days (25-75% percentile 0-978days) had died at the time of follow-up. Three died during the neonatal period and four died after the neonatal period. Parenteral nutrition (PN) induced liver failure and suspected adhesive small bowel obstruction were the causes of deaths after the neonatal period. Overall mortality was high in the "complex" group compared to the simple group (3/7 (42.9%) vs 4/64 (6.3%), p = 0.04). Forty (62.5%) of the surviving children consented to participate in the follow-up. A total of 12 children had had suspected adhesive small bowel obstruction. Prevalence of small bowel obstruction was not related to the number of operations needed for neonatal closure of the defect. Staged closure was done in 5/12 (41.7%) who developed small bowel obstruction vs 11/35 (31.43%) without small bowel obstruction, p=0.518. A GORE^®DUALMESH was used in 16 children (22.5%). Of these 2 were complex and 14 were simple cases. Prevalence of recurrent abdominal pain was 22.5% (9/40) among children with gastroschisis compared to 12% in a study on Danish school children, p=0.068. Gastrointestinal symptoms had led to hospital admission after primary discharge in significantly more children with gastroschisis 16 (40.0%) than children younger than 16years old in the general Danish population 129.419/1.081.542 (12.0%), p=0.000. Fecal calprotectin level was above the reference level (>50mg/kg) in 6/16 (37.5%) children >8years old with gastroschisis compared to 1/7 (14.3%) healthy children. (Fisher's exact=0.366). Only 8/38 (21.1%) children with gastroschisis reported to have an umbilicus.

CONCLUSION

Mortality among children with gastroschisis is still significant with the highest risk among complicated cases. The majority of the deaths is potentially preventable as PN-related causes and suspected adhesive small bowel obstruction counted for five of seven deaths. Neither categorization upon method of abdominal wall closure nor categorization into simple and complex cases can predict the risk of adhesive small bowel obstruction. With improved administration of PN and timely information and attention to the risk of the small bowel obstruction there is good possibility that the associated mortality could decrease. Type of study and level of evidence: Prognosis study, level II.

When Is Parenteral Nutrition Appropriate?

Parenteral nutrition (PN) represents one of the most notable achievements of modern medicine, serving as a therapeutic modality for all age groups across the healthcare continuum. PN offers a life-sustaining option when intestinal failure prevents adequate oral or enteral nutrition. However, providing nutrients by vein is an expensive form of nutrition support, and serious adverse events can occur. In an effort to provide clinical guidance regarding PN therapy, the Board of Directors of the American Society for Parenteral and Enteral Nutrition (ASPEN) convened a task force to develop consensus recommendations regarding appropriate PN use. The recommendations contained in this document aim to delineate appropriate PN use and promote clinical benefits while minimizing the risks associated with the therapy. These consensus recommendations build on previous ASPEN clinical guidelines and consensus recommendations for PN safety. They are intended to guide evidence-based decisions regarding appropriate PN use for organizations and individual professionals, including physicians, nurses, dietitians, pharmacists, and other clinicians involved in providing PN. They not only support decisions related to initiating and managing PN but also serve as a guide for developing quality monitoring tools for PN and for identifying areas for further research. Finally, the recommendations contained within the document are also designed to inform decisions made by additional stakeholders, such as policy makers and third-party payers, by providing current perspectives regarding the use of PN in a variety of healthcare settings.

Early neurodevelopmental outcomes of infants with intestinal failure

BACKGROUND

The survival rate of infants and children with intestinal failure is increasing, necessitating a greater focus on their developmental trajectory.

AIMS

To evaluate neurodevelopmental outcomes in children with intestinal failure at 0-15months corrected age.

STUDY DESIGN

Analysis of clinical, demographic and developmental assessment results of 33 children followed in an intestinal rehabilitation program between 2011 and 2014. Outcome measures included: Prechtl's Assessment of General Movements, Movement Assessment of Infants, Alberta Infant Motor Scale and Mullen Scales of Early Learning. Clinical factors were correlated with poorer developmental outcomes at 12-15months corrected age.

RESULTS

Thirty-three infants (17 males), median gestational age 34weeks (interquartile range 29.5-36.0) with birth weight 1.98kg (interquartile range 1.17-2.50). Twenty-nine (88%) infants had abnormal General Movements. More than half had suspect or abnormal scores on the Alberta Infant Motor Scale and medium to high-risk scores for future neuromotor delay on the Movement Assessment of Infants. Delays were seen across all Mullen subscales, most notably in gross motor skills. Factors significantly associated with poorer outcomes at 12-15months included: prematurity, low birth weight, central nervous system co-morbidity, longer neonatal intensive care admission, necrotizing enterocolitis diagnosis, number of operations and conjugated hyperbilirubinemia.

CONCLUSION

Multiple risk factors contribute to early developmental delay in children with intestinal failure, highlighting the importance of close developmental follow-up.

Babies born with gastroschisis and followed up to the age of six years faced long-term morbidity and impairments

AIM

The aims of this Argentinian study were to describe and analyse the outcomes of a continuous interdisciplinary follow-up programme of patients with gastroschisis.

METHODS

This was a prospective, longitudinal study of babies with gastroschisis admitted from 1 November 2003 to 31 October 2014, and this paper presents results at one, three and six years of age. Matched-pairs analyses were carried out when they were one and six.

RESULTS

We enrolled 62 babies and assessed 52 at one year of age, 34 at three years and 17 at six years. This showed that 63% had mental health problems and 5% had recurrent wheezing. Normal outcomes at one, three and six years were growth (80%, 85% and 80%), neurology-psychomotor development index (64%, 50% and 82%), audiology (100%, 76% and 76%), vision (98%, 94% and 89%) and language (55%, 62% and 65%). The rehospitalisation rates were 30%, 0.3% and zero, and the surgical re-intervention rates were 9%, 0.3% and 12%. Matched-pairs analysis showed no significant differences between outcomes at the ages of one and six.

CONCLUSION

Babies born with gastroschisis were at risk for long-term morbidity and impairments, according to follow-up assessments at the ages of one, three and six years.

Management of gastroschisis

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

The diagnosis and treatment of gastroschisis spans the perinatal disciplines of maternal fetal medicine, neonatology, and pediatric surgery. Since gastroschisis is one of the commonest and costliest structural birth defects treated in neonatal ICUs, a comprehensive review of its epidemiology, prenatal diagnosis, postnatal treatment, and short and long-term outcomes is both timely and relevant.

RECENT FINDINGS

The incidence of gastroschisis has increased dramatically over the past 20 years, leading to a renewed interest in causation. The widespread availability of maternal screening and ultrasound results in very high rates of prenatal diagnosis, which enables evaluation of the optimal timing and mode of delivery. The preferred method of surgical closure continues to be an issue of debate among pediatric surgeons, whereas postsurgical treatment seeks to expedite the initiation and progression of enteral feeding and minimize complications. A small subset of babies with complex gastroschisis leading to intestinal failure benefit from the knowledge and expertise of dedicated interdisciplinary teams, which seek to bring novel therapies and improved clinical outcomes.

SUMMARY

The opportunities to increase the knowledge of causation, and identify best practices leading to improved outcomes, drive the ongoing need for collaborative clinical research in gastroschisis.

The long-term neurodevelopmental and psychological outcomes of gastroschisis: A cohort study

OBJECTIVES

Previous gastroschisis specific neurodevelopmental studies have focused on the first 3years of life. The aim of this study was to assess the intellectual, behavioral and neurological outcomes of older children and adolescents born with gastroschisis.

STUDY DESIGN

Of 99 gastroschisis survivors born in Western Australia, 1992 to 2005, and who were at least 5years old, 42 agreed to take part in this study. The study assessed: intellectual ability, with age appropriate Wechsler intelligence scales; neurological status; hearing; vision; behavioral status with the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire (SDQ); and parenting style with the Parenting Relationship Questionnaire (PRQ). All results were compared to normative means.

RESULTS

Median age at follow-up was 10years (range 5-17). No child had evidence of cerebral palsy or hearing loss; 1 child had amblyopia. Psychometric tests were completed in 39 children: mean full scale IQ was 98.2 (standard deviation [SD] 10.7); the working memory index was the only subscale to show a significant decrease from the normative mean (mean 95.5, SD 12.4, p=0.038). The mean SDQ behavioral scores were significantly lower for 3 of 5 domains and the Total Difficulties score. PRQ scores were significantly abnormal for 4 of 7 domains: Communication, Discipline, Satisfaction with School and Relational Frustration.

CONCLUSIONS

Overall intellectual abilities were within a normal range. The decrease in working memory index and the behavioral and parenting relationship impairments could be an effect of perinatal factors, gastroschisis management and complications or the complexity of the socio-economic environment.

Impact of Surgery for Neonatal Gastrointestinal Diseases on Weight and Fat Mass

OBJECTIVE

To compare growth, fat mass (FM), and fat-free mass in surgical infants vs matched controls at similar postconceptional age (PCA).

STUDY DESIGN

Anthropometric and body composition measurements by air-displacement plethysmography (PeaPod-Infant Body Composition System; LMI, Concord, California) were performed at the same PCA in 21 infants who received gastrointestinal surgery and in 21 controls matched for gestational age, birth weight, and sex.

RESULTS

Despite similar anthropometry at birth, postsurgical infants were shorter (50.4 [4.7] cm vs 53.2 [4.1] cm, P = .001), lighter (3516 [743] g vs 3946 [874] g, P < .001), and had lower FM content (%FM 14.8 [4.7]% vs 20.2 [5.8]%, P < .0001) than their peers at similar PCA (43 [4] weeks). All surgical infants but 1 (20/21) received parenteral nutrition (PN). Mean PN duration was 40 (30) days. Five infants in the control group received PN because of prematurity for 15 (9-30) days. Nine infants in the surgical group and 1 in the control group had PN-associated cholestasis.

CONCLUSIONS

Neonates having surgery for gastrointestinal diseases were shorter, had lower weight, and lower FM content than their peers, despite receiving more PN. Body composition evaluation and monitoring may help optimize growth in these newborns.

Abdominal wall defects

Abdominal wall defects in foetuses include gastroschisis, exomphalos, bladder exstrophy complex, cloacal exstrophy and body stalk syndrome. The defects that occur more commonly are gastroschisis and exomphalos. In this review we assess the current evidence regarding the incidence, perinatal risk factors, antenatal and postnatal management and outcome for both these conditions. A review of the current surgical practices for management of gastroschisis and exomphalos is discussed.

Intestinal ischemia secondary to volvulus of gastroschisis within a silo: detection, confirmation and reversal of near infra-red spectroscopy detected O2 saturation

A neonate with gastroschisis had silo placement and near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) monitoring of intestinal haemoglobin oxygen saturation (RSO2). An ischemic loop of bowel demonstrated decreased RSO2, with reversal of clinical ischemia and RSO2 postoperatively. This demonstrates possible advantage of monitoring intestinal RSO2 in neonates at risk of ischemia, and response to intervention.

The long term physical consequences of gastroschisis

PURPOSE

To determine the progress, physical and metabolic outcomes of gastroschisis survivors.

METHODS

Fifty children born with gastroschisis were assessed with a health questionnaire, physical assessment, bone density and nutritional blood parameters at a median age of 9years (range 5-17).

RESULTS

After initial abdominal closure, 27/50 (54%) required additional surgical interventions. Ten (20%) children had complex gastroschisis (CG). Abdominal pain was common: weekly in 41%; and requiring hospitalization in 30%. The weight, length and head circumference z-scores improved by a median 0.88 (p=0.001), 0.56 (p=0.006) and 0.74 (p=0.018) of a standard deviation (SD) respectively from birth; 24% were overweight or obese at follow up. However, those with CG had significantly lower median weight z-scores (-0.43 v 0.49, p=0.0004) and body mass index (BMI) (-0.48 v 0.42, p=0.001) at follow up compared to children with simple gastroschisis. Cholesterol levels were elevated in 24% of children. Bone mineral density was reassuring. There were 15 instances of low blood vitamin and mineral levels.

CONCLUSIONS

Although gastroschisis survival levels are high, many children have significant ongoing morbidity. Children with simple gastroschisis showed significant catch up growth and a quarter had become overweight.

Gastroschisis--what should be told to parents?

Gastroschisis is a common congenital abdominal wall defect. It is almost always diagnosed prenatally thanks to routine maternal serum screening and ultrasound screening programs. In the majority of cases, the condition is isolated (i.e. not associated with chromosomal or other anatomical anomalies). Prenatal diagnosis allows for planning the timing, mode and location of delivery. Controversies persist concerning the optimal antenatal monitoring strategy. Compelling evidence supports elective delivery at 37  weeks' gestation in a tertiary pediatric center. Cesarean section should be reserved for routine obstetrical indications. Prognosis of infants with gastroschisis is primarily determined by the degree of bowel injury, which is difficult to assess antenatally. Prenatal counseling usually addresses gastroschisis issues. However, parental concerns are mainly focused on long-term postnatal outcomes including gastrointestinal function and neurodevelopment. Although infants born with gastroschisis often endure a difficult neonatal course, they experience few long-term complications. This manuscript, which is structured around common parental questions and concerns, reviews the evidence pertaining to the antenatal, neonatal and long-term implications of a fetal gastroschisis diagnosis and is aimed at helping healthcare professionals counsel expecting parents.