Predicting the outcome of newborns with gastroschisis

ObjectiveThe objective of the study was to determine factors predicting outcome in newborns with gastroschisis.MethodsA retrospective analysis of 155 consecutive cases admitted from 1 January 1990 to 31 December 2007 was performed. Prenatal ultrasound findings were available for 89 of 155 (57%) patients and were compared with final outcome. Both univariate and multiple regression analyses were used.ResultsAll patients survived to discharge home. The primary outcome measure was length of stay. Multiple regression identified 4 factors associated with length of stay: (1) gestational age (P = .004), (2) nonelective silo (P < .001), (3) gastrointestinal (GI) complication (intestinal atresia, perforation, or resection) (P < .001), and (4) non-GI anomaly (P = .029). Non-GI anomalies occurred in 17 of 155 (11%) patients and tended to increase the risk of a nonelective silo or GI complication (59% vs 39%, P = .190). Dilated bowel (>10 mm) on prenatal ultrasound was associated with GI complications (22% vs 3%, P = .010). However, 78% of patients with dilated bowel on prenatal ultrasound did not have a GI complication. The absence of dilated bowel on prenatal ultrasound accurately predicted the absence of GI complications in 97% of cases.ConclusionPrematurity, nonelective silo, GI complications, and non-GI anomalies predict the short-term outcome of newborns with gastroschisis. Prenatal ultrasound serves primarily to predict the absence of GI complications.