What are the other Names for this Condition? (Also known as/Synonyms)

• Gastroschisis in Babies
• Pediatric Gastroschisis

What is Gastroschisis? (Definition/Background Information)

• Gastroschisis occurs when the bowels of the intestine protrude from the abdominal wall around the umbilicus (para-umbilical abdominal wall opening)
• It is a birth defect that results due to an abnormal abdominal wall opening during the fetal development stage. The cause of Gastroschisis is unknown
• Gastroschisis should not be confused with omphalocele, a condition in which the protruding bowel loop is covered by amnion and peritoneum
• Gastroschisis is associated with other congenital defects such as narrowing of the intestines, malrotation of the bowel, and bowel infarction due to the shutting-off of blood supply to the intestines
• The long-term survival is excellent with appropriate treatment, which may involve a surgical correction of the abdominal defect

Who gets Gastroschisis? (Age and Sex Distribution)

• Gastroschisis can occur in any developing fetus. However, it is mostly observed only when the age of the expectant mother is less than 30 years
• Both male and female babies can be affected
• Gastroschisis is observed worldwide; all racial and ethnic groups are affected
• The incidence of the condition is 1 in 5000 live births

What are the Risk Factors for Gastroschisis? (Predisposing Factors)

The risk factors of Gastroschisis may include:

• The age of the mother is factor that influences the formation of Gastroschisis. Pregnancy at a young age (age less than 30 years) is significantly associated with the condition
• Congenital birth defects such as narrowing of intestine (atresia), bowel malrotation, and bowel infarction due to lack of blood supply
• Gastroschisis during an earlier pregnancy is a risk factor for subsequent pregnancy
• Mothers with low body mass index (BMI)
• Use of tobacco, alcohol, and recreational drugs
• According to the California Department of Public Health, the consumption of aspirin by the mother increases the risk of Gastroschisis by up to 4 times

It is important to note that having a risk factor does not mean that one will get the condition. A risk factor increases ones chances of getting a condition compared to an individual without the risk factors. Some risk factors are more important than others.

Also, not having a risk factor does not mean that an individual will not get the condition. It is always important to discuss the effect of risk factors with your healthcare provider.

What are the Causes of Gastroschisis? (Etiology)

• The exact cause of Gastroschisis is currently unknown.
• Some researchers believe that it is caused by blood supply disruption during the 1^st or 2^nd week of conception

What are the Signs and Symptoms of Gastroschisis?

• There may not be any specific signs and symptoms associated with Gastroschisis, in the mother
• In the developing fetus, there may be a bulge on the abdominal wall visible on radiological studies. This is visible after the birth of the child

How is Gastroschisis Diagnosed?

The diagnosis of Gastroschisis may include:

• Physical examination along with an evaluation of one’s medical history
• Triple screen test may show increased alpha-fetoprotein levels
• Imaging studies such as ultrasound of abdomen, which may indicate the defect in the abdominal wall of the developing fetus

Many clinical conditions may have similar signs and symptoms. Your healthcare provider may perform additional tests to rule out other clinical conditions to arrive at a definitive diagnosis.

What are the possible Complications of Gastroschisis?

Complications due to Gastroschisis could include:

• About 10% of the pregnancy may result in stillbirths
• There is a 2-3% chance of recurrence of the condition

How is Gastroschisis Treated?

The treatment of Gastroschisis may involve the following measures:

• Close fetal monitoring during the pregnancy is important and necessary
• After the fetus is delivered, the newborn infant may be placed in intensive care and a surgery to correct the defect is planned
• The surgical procedure may be performed as early as possible, when the infant is stable

How can Gastroschisis be Prevented?

• There are no known effective measures to prevent the formation of Gastroschisis
• However, since the condition can recur during a subsequent pregnancy, genetic counseling may help in some cases

What is the Prognosis of Gastroschisis? (Outcomes/Resolutions)

• With appropriate treatment and surgical correction of the abdominal wall defect, the prognosis of Gastroschisis is usually good
• Periodic follow-up is necessary, but the long-term survival is excellent

Additional and Relevant Useful Information for Gastroschisis:

The following DoveMed website link is a useful resource for additional information:

https://www.dovemed.com/healthy-living/digestive-center/