Thorax-to-head ratio and defect diameter-to-head ratio in giant omphaloceles as predictor for fetal outcome

Anatomic parameters of omphaloceles and their association with anatomic, genetic, or syndromic malformations: a retrospective study

PURPOSE

This retrospective study aims to describe anatomical parameters of omphaloceles and to analyze their association with anatomical, genetic, or syndromic malformations.

METHODS

Cases were selected from digital records of two university centers, a certified regional registry and personal records. Patients from 1998 to 2018 with omphalocele and live birth (LB), termination of pregnancy due to fetal anomaly (TOPFA) and fetal death (FD) were included. Cases born outside Western Switzerland and/or with upper or lower coelosomy were excluded.

RESULTS

We analyzed 162 cases with the following distribution: 57 (35%) LB, 91 (56%) TOPFA and 14 (9%) FD. TOPFA was significantly more frequently performed in cases with non-isolated omphalocele, i.e., omphaloceles with associated major malformations (especially cardiovascular and genitourinary), genetic/chromosomal anomalies, or syndromes. For LB, associated anatomical malformations, genetic or chromosomal anomalies were not significantly associated with the size of the omphalocele or the liver involvement.

CONCLUSIONS

The proportion of cases resulting in TOPFA was higher among fetuses with major malformations, genetic or chromosomal anomalies. Despite the large size of this cohort, and in contrary to previous publications, the size of the omphalocele and/or liver involvement does not allow for conclusions regarding the presence or number of associated malformations, genetic or chromosomal anomalies.

The validity of the viscero-abdominal disproportion ratio for type of surgical closure in all fetuses with an omphalocele

OBJECTIVE

To determine the predictive value of the fetal omphalocele circumference/abdominal circumference (OC/AC) ratio for type of surgical closure and survival and to describe the trajectory of OC/AC ratio throughout gestation.

METHODS

This cohort study included all live-born infants prenatally diagnosed with an omphalocele in our tertiary centre (2000-2017) with an intention to treat. The OC/AC ratio and liver position were determined using 2D ultrasound at three periods during gestation (11-16, 17-26, and/or 30-38 weeks). Primary outcome was type of closure; secondary outcome was survival. In the secondary analyses, the predictive value of the OC/AC-ratio trend for type of closure and survival was assessed.

RESULTS

Primary closure was performed in 37/63 (59%) infants, and 54/63 (86%) survived. The OC/AC ratio was predictive for type of closure and survival in all periods. Optimal cut-off values for predicting closure decreased throughout gestation from 0.69 (11-16 weeks) to 0.63 (30-38 weeks). Repeated OC/AC-ratio measurements were available in 33 (73%) fetuses. The trend of the OC/AC ratio throughout gestation was not significantly associated with type of closure. All infants without liver herniation underwent primary closure.

CONCLUSION

Type of omphalocele surgical closure and survival can be predicted prenatally on the basis of the OC/AC ratio and liver herniation independent of associated anomalies.

LEARNING OBJECTIVE

The reader will be able to use the OC/AC ratio throughout gestation in all omphalocele cases for prediction of type of closure and survival and thus patient counselling.

Ruptured omphalocele: Diagnosis and management

Omphalocele is an abdominal wall defect which can be classified as small, giant, or ruptured. Ruptured omphaloceles require prompt diagnosis and management to prevent associated morbidity and mortality and represent a challenging surgical condition. This review serves to define the etiology, diagnosis, initial resuscitation, and surgical therapy employed in the treatment of ruptured omphalocele. Resuscitation should focus on maintaining hydration and normothermia. Broad spectrum antibiotics should be initiated. Similar to giant omphaloceles, procedural intervention includes primary closure, silo, synthetic and biologic mesh, negative pressure wound therapy, and topical agents. Despite advances in neonatal care, the prognosis remains guarded and mortality is high.