Gastroschisis

Gastroschisis is a birth defect in which the baby's intestines extend outside of the abdomen through a hole next to the belly button. The size of the hole is variable, and other organs including the stomach and liver may also occur outside the baby's body. Complications may include feeding problems, prematurity, intestinal atresia, and intrauterine growth restriction.

The cause is typically unknown. Rates are higher in babies born to mothers who smoke, drink alcohol, or are younger than 20 years old. Ultrasounds during pregnancy may make the diagnosis. Otherwise, diagnosis occurs at birth. It differs from omphalocele in that there is no covering membrane over the intestines.

Treatment involves surgery. This typically occurs shortly after birth. In those with large defects, the exposed organs may be covered with a special material and slowly moved back into the abdomen. This condition affects about 4 per 10,000 newborns. Rates of the condition appear to be increasing.

Signs and symptoms

There are no signs during pregnancy. About sixty percent of infants with gastroschisis are born prematurely. At birth, the baby will have a relatively small (<4cm) hole in the abdominal wall, usually just to the right of the belly button. Some of the intestines are usually outside the body, passing through this opening. In rare circumstances, the liver and stomach may also come through the abdominal wall. After birth, these organs are directly exposed to air.

Causes

The cause of gastroschisis is not known. There may be genetic causes in some cases, and there may be environmental factors to which the mother is exposed during pregnancy.

Risk factors include the mother being young, and use of alcohol or tobacco.