Ultrasonographic detection of gastroschisis in the first trimester: Actualities in pregnancy management and outcome

Gastroschisis is a congenital anterior abdominal wall defect that occurs in 4 to 5 in 10,000 births, consisting in the evisceration of bowel in the amniotic cavity without a membranous covering. Gastroschisis cases can be detected during the first trimester using ultrasonography or at the beginning of the second trimester with a detection rate of 100%. Although an isolated condition in most of the cases, further complications such as malrotation, atresia, stenosis, perforation or volvulus can be associated. Periodic monitoring is required to assess the progress of the pregnancy with measurements of the level of amniotic fluid, fetal biometry and bowel diameters at every ultrasound examination. Gastroschisis is most frequently associated with oligohydramnios, intrauterine fetal growth restriction, increased bowel wall thickness and bowel dilatation. The outcome of the disease is favorable with a survival rate of around 90% for born infants. The long time on ventilator and multiple intestinal surgeries that delay the moment of oral feeding with a long-term use of total parental nutrition and short bowel syndrome are the most important comorbidities. Delivery is recommended at 38 weeks of gestation, preserving caesarean delivery for complicated gastroschisis. Although a complex pathology, gastroschisis is associated with normal intellectual development and few to none long-term complications.