From the Research
The incidence of gastroschisis is approximately 4-5 cases per 10,000 live births, as reported in the most recent and highest quality study 1. This congenital abdominal wall defect has been increasing in frequency over the past few decades, particularly among younger mothers. Gastroschisis occurs more commonly in infants born to mothers under 20 years of age, with the risk being about 7 times higher compared to mothers aged 25-29. Other risk factors include maternal smoking, low body mass index, and use of certain medications during pregnancy, as noted in studies 2 and 1. The condition is typically diagnosed prenatally through routine ultrasound screening, with over 90% of cases being diagnosed antenatally, as reported in 3. Early detection is crucial for proper management and planning of delivery. Babies with gastroschisis usually require immediate surgical intervention after birth to place the exposed intestines back into the abdominal cavity and close the defect. While the exact cause of gastroschisis is unknown, it's believed to result from a vascular disruption during early fetal development, leading to a failure in the proper formation of the abdominal wall, resulting in the characteristic protrusion of intestines through the defect, typically to the right of the umbilicus. Healthcare providers should be aware of this increasing trend and ensure proper prenatal screening and counseling for at-risk mothers, as emphasized in 4. Multidisciplinary care involving obstetricians, neonatologists, and pediatric surgeons is essential for optimal outcomes in these cases. Key points to consider include:
- Young maternal age as a significant risk factor
- Importance of prenatal ultrasound screening for early detection
- Need for immediate surgical intervention after birth
- Increasing trend of gastroschisis incidence over the past few decades
- Association with other risk factors such as smoking and low body mass index.