Understanding Gastroschisis: Causes, Pathology, Diagnosis, and Treatment
Gastroschisis is a congenital abdominal wall defect, typically located to the right of the umbilicus, where a newborn’s intestines and other abdominal organs protrude outside the body without a protective membrane. Unlike omphalocele, the exposed organs in gastroschisis are directly bathed in amniotic fluid, leading to irritation, inflammation, and thickening. The exact cause is unknown but is linked to reduced blood supply to the abdominal wall during fetal development, with risk factors including young maternal age, tobacco use, and alcohol consumption. Prenatal diagnosis is achieved through elevated maternal serum alpha-fetoprotein (MSAFP) and routine fetal ultrasound. Postnatal treatment requires immediate specialized care, including surgical repair (either primary closure or staged silo repair) and intensive supportive measures such as total parenteral nutrition (TPN), antibiotics, and temperature regulation.
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Reviewed by the LibraryMedicine.com Clinical Editorial Board. Our authors are practicing physicians and medical educators dedicated to delivering evidence-based, up-to-date clinical guides.
