Definition
Definition
Gastroschisis is a birth defect that creates a gap in the muscles and skin of the abdominal wall. Intestines can push through the gap to the outside of the body. A gastroschisis tends to occur to the right of the belly button.
A gastroschisis may be small and only involve a section of intestines or be large and involve other abdominal organs. It may also be associated with intestinal atresia.
Causes
Causes
Gastroschisis develops before birth during development of the abdominal wall. It is not clear why, but the abdominal wall does not close completely in one area. It may be caused by a combination of genetic and environmental factors.
Risk Factors
Risk Factors
Gastroschisis is more common in babies born to teenage mothers. Other factors that may increase the chance of a gastroschisis include:
- Maternal smoking
- Alcohol during pregnancy
- Urinary tract infection and STD around the time of conception
Symptoms
Symptoms
Intestines will be visible outside of the body, often to the right of the belly button.
Diagnosis
Diagnosis
Gastroschisis may be suspected after blood tests in the mother. A fetal ultrasound will show if there are intestines outside of the abdominal wall. Early diagnosis will help make birth and treatment plans. Gastroschisis not diagnosed before birth will be apparent as soon as the child is born.
Additional imaging tests may be done to help plan treatment.
Treatment
Treatment
Talk with the doctor about the best treatment plan for your baby. Treatment may include one or more of the following:
Medication
The intestines are often damaged. Your baby may have difficulty with digestion and need supportive care. Medications may include:
- Dextrose and electrolyte solutions for nutrition and hydration
- Antibiotics if an infection is present or possible
Surgery
The goal of surgery is to put the intestine and other organs back in place, and close damaged wall. The type of surgery will depend on the extent of the gastroschisis.
Large defects may require several surgeries over a long period of time.
Prevention
Prevention
To help reduce your baby’s chance of gastroschisis:
- Quit smoking before and during pregnancy.
- Avoid alcohol during pregnancy.
If you are pregnant, talk to your doctor about prenatal care and testing.
RESOURCES:
March of Dimes http://www.marchofdimes.com
CANADIAN RESOURCES:
Public Health Agency of Canada http://www.phac-aspc.gc.ca
References:
http://www.cdc.gov/ncbddd/birthdefects/diagnosis.html
Updated February 25, 2011. Accessed March 30, 2014.
Facts about gastroschisis. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website. Available at:
http://www.cdc.gov/ncbddd/birthdefects/gastroschisis.html
Updated April 15, 2014. Accessed May 30, 2014.
Feldkamp ML, Reefhuis J, Kucik J, et al. Case-control study of self-reported genitourinary infections and the risk of gastroschisis: Findings from the national birth defects prevention study 1997-2003. BMJ. 2008;336(7658):1420-1423.
Gastroschisis. EBSCO DynaMed website. Available at:
http://www.ebscohost.com/dynamed
Updated May 9, 2014. Accessed May 30, 2014.
Holland AJ, Walker K, Badawi N. Gastroschisis: An update. Pediatr Surg Int. 2010;26(9):871-878.
Last Updated: 5/30/2014