Prenatal ultrasonographic markers for prediction of complex gastroschisis and adverse perinatal outcomes: a systematic review and meta-analysis

OBJECTIVE

We sought to perform a meta-analysis of the predictive value of antenatal ultrasonographic markers of bowel dilation, gastric dilation, polyhydramnios and abdominal circumference that predict complex gastroschisis and adverse perinatal outcomes DATA SOURCES: PubMed, Web of Science, Scopus and Embase were searched for relevant articles up to December 2020. Studies reporting prenatal ultrasonographic markers including intra-abdominal bowel dilation (IABD), extra-abdominal bowel dilation (EABD), bowel wall thickness, polyhydramnios, abdominal circumference <5th percentile, gastric dilation (GD) and bowel dilation not otherwise specified (BD-NOS) were included. The primary outcome was prediction of complex gastroschisis; secondary outcomes were length of hospital stay for newborn, time to full enteral feeding, postnatal mortality rate, incidence of necrotising enterocolitis and short bowel syndrome.

RESULTS

Thirty-six studies were included in this meta-analysis. We found significant associations between complex gastroschisis and IABD (OR=5.42; 95% CI 3.24 to 9.06), EABD (OR=2.27; 95% CI 1.40 to 3.66), BD-NOS (OR=6.27; 95% CI 1.97 to 19.97), GD (OR=1.88; 95% CI 1.22 to 2.92) and polyhydramnios (OR=6.93; 95% CI 3.39 to 14.18). Second trimester IABD and EABD have greater specificity for the prediction of complex gastroschisis than third trimester values with specificity of 95.6% (95% CI 58.1 to 99.7) and 94.6% (95% CI 86.7 to 97.9) for the second trimester IABD and EABD, respectively.

CONCLUSION

Prenatal ultrasonographic markers, especially the second trimester IABD and EABD, can identify fetuses that develop complex gastroschisis. Furthermore, these specific ultrasonographic markers can identify those babies at the highest risk for severe complications of this congenital anomaly and hence selected for future antenatal interventions.

Gastroschisis: a systematic review of diagnosis, prognosis and treatment

OBJECTIVES

The present systematic review aims to investigate the diagnosis, prognosis, delivery assistance, pregnancy results and postnatal management in gastroschisis.

STUDY DESIGN

The following data sources were evaluated: The CINAHL, Embase and MEDLINE/PubMed databases were searched, observational and intervention studies published over the past 20 years. The quality of the studies was assessed using the Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development, and Evaluations (GRADE).

RESULTS

A total of 3770 infants diagnosed with gastroschisis were included (44 studies); 1534 fetuses were classified as simple gastroschisis and 288 as complex gastroschisis. Intrauterine fetal demise occurred in 0.47% and elective termination occurred in 0.13%. Preterm delivery occurred in 23.23% and intrauterine growth restriction in 4.43%. Cesarean section delivery was performed in 54.6%. Neonatal survival was 91.29%. The main neonatal complications were: sepsis (11.78%), necrotizing enterocolitis (2.33%), short bowel syndrome (1.37%), bowel obstruction (0.79%), and volvulus (0.23%). Immediate surgical repair was performed in 80.1% with primary closure in 69%. The average to oral feeding was 33 (range: 11-124.5) days. Average hospital duration was 38 days and 89 days in neonates with simple and complex grastroschisis, respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

The present systematic review provides scientific data for counseling families with fetal gastroschisis.

Advances in prenatal and perinatal diagnosis and management of gastroschisis

Gastroschisis is a congenital, ventral wall defect associated with bowel evisceration. The defect is usually to the right of the umbilical cord insertion and requires postnatal surgical correction. The fetus is at risk for complications such as intrauterine growth restriction, preterm delivery, and intrauterine fetal demise. In addition, complex cases, defined by the presence of intestinal complications such as bowel atresia, stenosis, perforation, or ischemia, occur in up to one third of pregnancies affected by gastroschisis. As complex gastroschisis is associated with increased morbidity and mortality, research has focused on the prenatal detection of this high risk subset of cases. The purpose of this review is to discuss the prenatal, diagnostic approach to the identification of gastroschisis, to describe potential signs of complex gastroschisis on prenatal ultrasound, to review current guidelines for antepartum management and delivery planning, and to summarize results of both past and current intervention trials in fetuses with gastroschisis.

Gastroschisis: A Review of Management and Outcomes

We performed an evidence-based review of the obstetrical management of gastroschisis. Gastroschisis is an abdominal wall defect, which has increased in frequency in recent decades. There is variation of prevalence by ethnicity and several known maternal risk factors. Herniated intestinal loops lacking a covering membrane can be identified with prenatal ultrasonography, and maternal serum α-fetoprotein level is commonly elevated. Because of the increased risk for growth restriction, amniotic fluid abnormalities, and fetal demise, antenatal testing is generally recommended. While many studies have aimed to identify antenatal predictors of neonatal outcome, accurate prognosis remains challenging. Delivery by 37 weeks appears reasonable, with cesarean delivery reserved for obstetric indications. Postnatal surgical management includes primary surgical closure, staged reduction with silo, or sutureless umbilical closure. Overall prognosis is good with low long-term morbidity in the majority of cases, but approximately 15% of cases are very complex with complicated hospital course, extensive intestinal loss, and early childhood death.

Outcome of isolated gastroschisis; an international study, systematic review and meta-analysis

OBJECTIVE

To determine outcome of children born with isolated gastroschisis (no extra-gastrointestinal congenital abnormalities).

STUDY DESIGN

International cohort study and meta-analysis.

PRIMARY OUTCOME

time to full enteral feeding (TFEF); secondary outcomes: Duration of mechanical ventilation, length of stay (LOS), mortality and differences in outcome between simple and complex gastroschisis (complex; born with bowel atresia, volvulus, perforation or necrosis). To compare the cohort study results with literature three databases were searched. Studies were eligible for inclusion if cases were born in developed countries with isolated gastroschisis after 1990, number of cases >20 and TFEF was reported.

RESULTS

The cohort study included 204 liveborn cases of isolated gastroschisis. The TFEF, median duration of ventilation and LOS was, 26days (range 6-515), 2days (range 0-90) and 33days (range 11-515), respectively. Overall mortality was 10.8%. TFEF and LOS were significantly longer (P<0.0001) and mortality was fourfold higher in the complex group. Seventeen studies, amongst the current study, were included for further meta-analysis comprising a total of 1652 patients. Mean TFEF was 35.3±4.4days, length of ventilation was 5.5±2.0days, LOS was 46.4±5.2days and mortality risk was 0.06 [0.04-0.07 95%CI]. Outcome of simple and complex gastroschisis was described in five studies. TFEF, ventilation time, LOS were significant longer and mortality rate was 3.64 [1.95-6.83 95%CI] times higher in complex cases.

CONCLUSIONS

These results give a good indication of the expected TFEF, ventilation time and LOS and mortality risk in children born with isolated gastroschisis, although ranges remain wide. This study shows the importance of dividing gastroschisis into simple and complex for the prediction of outcome.

Association Between Prenatal Sonographic Findings of Duodenal Obstruction and Adverse Outcomes

OBJECTIVES

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the association of prenatal sonographic findings with adverse outcomes and the causes of duodenal obstruction.

METHODS

A total of 59 cases of congenital duodenal obstruction were included in this study. The sonographic findings, including the degree of duodenal dilatation, polyhydramnios, and their change over gestation, were investigated. Adverse outcomes were defined as fetal death in utero, postnatal death, and gastrointestinal complications requiring readmission or reoperation during the follow-up period. The cause of duodenal obstruction was also assessed.

RESULTS

Among the patients studied, 2 (3.4%) had fetal death in utero and 2 (3.5%) had postnatal death. Gastrointestinal complications requiring readmission or reoperation occurred in 10.9%. In the cases with or without adverse outcomes, no significant differences were observed in the prenatal sonographic findings: maximum duodenal dilatation, mean amniotic fluid index, and the changes in these parameters with advancing gestation. The cases with adverse outcomes were associated with a younger gestational age at delivery compared to the cases without adverse outcomes. Notably, the degree of duodenal dilatation and amniotic fluid volume were greater in duodenal atresia than in other causes of obstruction, including duodenal stenosis, a duodenal web, and an annular pancreas. In the study population, the overall postoperative survival rate was 98.2%.

CONCLUSIONS

Prenatal sonographic findings of duodenal obstruction were not associated with adverse outcomes; however, they may be helpful for differentiating the cause of duodenal obstruction.

Predicting Perinatal Outcome from Prenatal Ultrasound Characteristics in Pregnancies Complicated by Gastroschisis

Introduction: The objective of the study was to establish the predictive value of prenatal ultrasound markers for complex gastroschisis (GS) in the first 10 days of life. Material and Methods: In this retrospective cohort study over 11 years (2000-2011) of 117 GS cases, the following prenatal ultrasound signs were analyzed at the last second- and third-trimester ultrasounds: intrauterine growth restriction, intra-abdominal bowel dilatation (IABD) adjusted for gestational age, extra-abdominal bowel dilatation (EABD) ≥25 mm, stomach dilatation, stomach herniation, perturbed mesenteric circulation, absence of bowel lumen and echogenic dilated bowel loops (EDBL). Results: Among 114 live births, 16 newborns had complex GS (14.0%). Death was seen in 16 cases (13.7%): 3 intrauterine fetal deaths, 9 complex GS and 4 simple GS. Second-trimester markers had limited predictive value. Third-trimester IABD, EABD, EDBL, absence of intestinal lumen and perturbed mesenteric circulation were statistically associated with complex GS and death. IABD was able to predict complex GS with a sensitivity of 50%, a specificity of 91%, a positive predictive value of 47% and a negative predictive value of 92%. Discussion: Third-trimester IABD adjusted for gestational age appears to be the prenatal ultrasound marker most strongly associated with adverse outcome in GS.

Prenatal Risk Factors and Outcomes in Gastroschisis: A Meta-Analysis

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE

Gastroschisis is a congenital anomaly with increasing incidence, easy prenatal diagnosis and extremely variable postnatal outcomes. Our objective was to systematically review the evidence regarding the association between prenatal ultrasound signs (intraabdominal bowel dilatation [IABD], extraabdominal bowel dilatation, gastric dilatation [GD], bowel wall thickness, polyhydramnios, and small for gestational age) and perinatal outcomes in gastroschisis (bowel atresia, intra uterine death, neonatal death, time to full enteral feeding, length of total parenteral nutrition and length of in hospital stay).

METHODS

Medline, Embase, and Cochrane databases were searched electronically. Studies exploring the association between antenatal ultrasound signs and outcomes in gastroschisis were considered suitable for inclusion. Two reviewers independently extracted relevant data regarding study characteristics and pregnancy outcome. All meta-analyses were computed using individual data random-effect logistic regression, with single study as the cluster unit.

RESULTS

Twenty-six studies, including 2023 fetuses, were included. We found significant positive associations between IABD and bowel atresia (odds ratio [OR]: 5.48, 95% confidence interval [CI] 3.1-9.8), polyhydramnios and bowel atresia (OR: 3.76, 95% CI 1.7-8.3), and GD and neonatal death (OR: 5.58, 95% CI 1.3-24.1). No other ultrasound sign was significantly related to any other outcome.

CONCLUSIONS

IABD, polyhydramnios, and GD can be used to an extent to identify a subgroup of neonates with a prenatal diagnosis of gastroschisis at higher risk to develop postnatal complications. Data are still inconclusive on the predictive ability of several signs combined, and large prospective studies are needed to improve the quality of prenatal counseling and the neonatal care for this condition.

Fetal Growth Pattern and Prediction of Low Birth Weight in Gastroschisis

OBJECTIVES

To examine growth patterns and predictions of low birth weight in gastroschisis fetuses.

METHODS

This is a retrospective study of isolated fetal gastroschisis before week 24. Ultrasound fetal biometric parameters - head circumference (HC), abdominal circumference (AC), femur length, HC/AC ratio and estimated fetal weight (EFW)--were plotted against normal growth charts. The percentage difference in mean values between normal and gastroschisis fetuses was determined. The growth deficit for each ultrasound parameter was calculated for the fetuses with 1 examination in each designated period (period I: weeks 20-25(+6); period II: weeks 26-31(+6); period III: from week 32 until term). For low birth weight prediction, measurements below the 10th percentile in periods I and II were tested.

RESULTS

Seventy pregnancies were examined. For all fetal parameters, the mean measurements were lower in fetuses with gastroschisis (p < 0.005). The EFW revealed an increased growth deficit between the periods (p = 0.030). HC was predictive of low birth weight in period II (OR = 6.07; sensitivity = 70.8%; specificity = 71.4%).

CONCLUSIONS

Fetuses with gastroschisis present a reduced growth pattern, and it appears that no growth recovery occurs after the growth restriction has been established. Between week 26 and week 31(+6), an HC measurement below the 10th percentile is associated with an increased risk of low birth weight.

Gastroschisis: antenatal sonographic predictors of adverse neonatal outcome

Objectives. The aim of this review was to identify clinically significant ultrasound predictors of adverse neonatal outcome in fetal gastroschisis. Methods. A quasi-systematic review was conducted in PubMed and Ovid using the key terms “gastroschisis,” “predictors,” “outcome,” and “ultrasound.” Results. A total of 18 papers were included. The most common sonographic predictors were intra-abdominal bowel dilatation (IABD), intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR), and bowel dilatation not otherwise specified (NOS). Three ultrasound markers were consistently found to be statistically insignificant with respect to predicting adverse outcome including abdominal circumference, stomach herniation and dilatation, and extra-abdominal bowel dilatation (EABD). Conclusions. Gastroschisis is associated with several comorbidities, yet there is much discrepancy in the literature regarding which specific ultrasound markers best predict adverse neonatal outcomes. Future research should include prospective trials with larger sample sizes and use well-defined and consistent definitions of the adverse outcomes investigated with consideration given to IABD.

Validation of the gastroschisis experimental model and the influence of the mother's diet enriched with glutamine in the fetal morphology

PURPOSE

To validate the gastroschisis experimental model in female rats and the effects on the glutamine fetal morphology during pregnancy.

METHODS

Twelve pregnant rats Wistar were separated in two groups: Group I (n = 6 rats, 71 fetuses) took glutamine and Group II (n = 6 rats, 75 fetuses) took isocaloric supplementation. At the 18th day of pregnancy, female rats were taken to hysterotomy and the fetuses which were selected for the act of gastroschisis were partially removed from the womb and by the laparotomy technique, the exclusion of the intestine was done. After that, fetuses were put in the womb cavity again and the rats' abdomen sutured. At the 21st day of pregnancy, date before delivery, by C-section ordinary animals and the ones with gastroschisis were removed and studied separately. The morphometrical parameters studied were the body weight (PC); the intestine weight (PI); the intestine length (CI) and its relations (PI/PC, PI/CI e PC-PI).

RESULTS

The intestine weight (PI) and the intestine length (CI) were different in fetuses with gastroschisis (p<0.05), however no difference between the groups regarding supplementation with glutamine.

CONCLUSIONS

The gastroschisis experimental model is valid and reproducible. The nutritional therapy with glutamine did not change the morphometrical parameters.

Fetal abdominal wall defects

The most common fetal abdominal wall defects are gastroschisis and omphalocele, both with a prevalence of about three in 10,000 births. Prenatal ultrasound has a high sensitivity for these abnormalities already at the time of the first-trimester nuchal scan. Major unrelated defects are associated with gastroschisis in about 10% of cases, whereas omphalocele is associated with chromosomal or genetic abnormalities in a much higher proportion of cases. Challenges in management of gastroschisis are related to the prevention of late intrauterine death, and the prediction and treatment of complex forms. With omphalocele, the main difficulty is the exclusion of associated conditions, not all diagnosed prenatally. An outline of the postnatal treatment of abdominal wall defects is given. Other rarer forms of abdominal wall defects are pentalogy of Cantrell, omphalocele, bladder exstrophy, imperforate anus, spina bifida complex, prune-belly syndrome, body stalk anomaly, and bladder and cloacal exstrophy; they deserve multidisciplinary counselling and management.

Metaanalysis of the prevalence of intrauterine fetal death in gastroschisis

OBJECTIVE

The objective of this study was to review the medical literature that has reported the risk for intrauterine fetal death (IUFD) in pregnancies with gastroschisis.

STUDY DESIGN

We systematically searched the literature to identify all published studies of IUFD and gastroschisis through June 2011 that were archived in MEDLINE, PubMed, or referenced in published manuscripts. The MESH terms gastroschisis or abdominal wall defect were used.

RESULTS

Fifty-four articles were included in the metaanalysis. There were 3276 pregnancies in the study and a pooled prevalence of IUFD of 4.48 per 100. Those articles that included gestational age of IUFD had a pooled prevalence of IUFD of 1.28 per 100 births at ≥36 weeks' gestation. The prevalence did not appear to increase at >35 weeks' gestation.

CONCLUSION

The overall incidence of IUFD in gastroschisis is much lower than previously reported. The largest risk of IUFD occurs before routine and elective early delivery would be acceptable. Risk for IUFD should not be the primary indication for routine elective preterm delivery in pregnancies that are affected by gastroschisis.

Gastric contractility in experimental gastroschisis

BACKGROUND/PURPOSE

The mechanism of fetal gastric dilation in gastroschisis is controversial. This study was designed to characterize changes in the contractile profile of strips of stomach from rats following experimental gastroschisis.

METHODS

Pregnant Wistar rats were operated on day 18.5. Fetuses were divided into three groups: gastroschisis (G), sham (S), and control (C). On day 21.5, gastric fundus and antrum strips were obtained and suspended to a force transducer connected to a digital data acquisition system. They were submitted to increasing concentrations of carbachol (CCh) and weighed at the end of each procedure. Frequency and amplitude of each contraction were evaluated.

RESULTS

Under basal conditions, spontaneous oscillatory contractions of antrum and fundus strips of G, S, and C were similar (P>0.05; ANOVA). However, cumulative concentrations of CCh (0.01-100 μM) produced different effects in all groups and were characterized by a significant increase in amplitude and frequency of spontaneous contractions in antral smooth muscle and a sustained increase in tonus in fundic strips. Upon analysis, no significant difference in frequency or amplitude was noted in antral tissues comparing C to G and to S (P>0.05). No significant contractility difference was noted in fundic smooth muscle (comparing all groups, P>0.05), with the CCh-induced curve following a typical sigmoidal format, dependent on increasing concentrations (P<0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

Gastric contractile responses to CCh are preserved in experimental gastroschisis. These results do not support the theory that gastric dilation occurs secondary to intestinal inflammation alone.

Predictors of postnatal outcome in neonates with gastroschisis

BACKGROUND/PURPOSE

The optimal management of neonates with gastroschisis is unclear, and there is a significant morbidity. We performed a review of neonates with gastroschisis treated at our center of pediatric surgery over the last 21 years to determine predictive factors of outcome.

METHODS

Single-center retrospective analysis of 79 neonates with gastroschisis (1989-2009) was done. Length of hospital stay (LOS), days of parenteral nutrition (PN), and survival were outcome measures. Univariate and multiple regression analyses were used.

RESULTS

Overall survival was 92%, and primary closure was achieved in 80%. Median LOS was 25 days, and median duration on PN, 17 days. Intestinal atresia, closed gastroschisis, secondary closure, and sepsis were the primary variables associated with poor outcome independent of other variables, but prematurity also affected outcome. Route of delivery and associated malformations were not related to poorer outcome. Necrotizing enterocolitis did not occur in any of our patients.

CONCLUSION

Outcome in our patients was favorable as measured by survival, LOS, and days on PN. Primary predictors of poor outcome were factors related to short bowel syndrome and secondary closure, indicating a need to further improve treatment of short bowel syndrome.

Is complex gastroschisis predictable by prenatal ultrasound?

OBJECTIVE

To establish a correlation between prenatal ultrasound findings and postnatal outcome in neonates with gastroschisis (GS).

DESIGN

Retrospective case-control study.

SETTING

Prenatal ultrasound reports, labour and neonatal intensive care unit notes, and paediatric surgical clinic records were reviewed.

POPULATION

Neonates with an antenatal diagnosis of isolated GS.

METHODS

The neonates were divided into two groups: one with associated bowel complications including intestinal atresia, perforation, necrosis or volvulus ('complex' GS), and the second without bowel complication ('simple' GS). Prenatal ultrasound markers: small-for-gestational-age, intra-abdominal and extra-abdominal bowel dilatation (>6 mm), thickened intestinal wall and stomach dilatation were correlated with outcome.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

Fetal or neonatal death in complex versus simple GS. Time on parenteral nutrition and duration of hospital stay were also noted.

RESULTS

In all, 105 cases were eligible for analysis. Survival rate was 101/105 (96.2%). None of the ultrasound markers was predictive of fetal or neonatal death. Fourteen of 103 live-born babies (14.6%) had complex GS, which was associated with longer time on parenteral nutrition [8.0 (51.5-390) versus 33.5 (25.3-53.3) days, P<0.001] and longer duration of hospital stay [85.3 (55.5-210) versus 41.5 (33.0-64.8) days, P<0.001]. Infants with complex GS were more likely to require bowel resection and stoma placement (P<0.05). Intra-abdominal bowel dilatation was the only predictive ultrasound marker of complex GS (odds ratio 4.13, 95% CI 1.32-12.90; P=0.018). Receiver operating characteristic curve for observed/expected bowel diameter yielded 6 as the cutoff value for predicting complex GS (odds ratio 7.9, 95% CI 2.3-27.3; P=0.001) with 54% and 88% for sensibility and specificity, respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

Intra-abdominal bowel dilatation is the only ultrasound marker predictive of complex GS but it is a strong marker.