Gastroschisis is a congenital malformation characterized by not completely closing the abdominal wall, close to the navel, causing the intestine to be exposed and in contact with the amniotic fluid, which can result in inflammation and infection, causing complications for the baby.
Gastroschisis is more common in young mothers who have used, for example, aspirin or alcohol during pregnancy. This condition can be identified even during pregnancy, by means of ultrasound performed during prenatal care, and treatment is started right after the baby is born in order to prevent complications and favor the entry of the intestine and subsequent closure of the abdominal opening..
Gastroschisis symptoms
The main characteristic of gastroschisis is the visualization of the intestine out of the body through an opening close to the navel, usually on the right side. In addition to the intestine, other organs can be seen through this opening that are not covered by a membrane, which increases the chance of infection and complications.
The main complications of gastroschisis are the non-development of part of the intestine, rupture of the intestine and loss of fluids and nutrients for the baby, causing him to be underweight.
Gastroschisis and omphalocele
Both gastroschisis and omphalocele are congenital malformations, which can be diagnosed during pregnancy through prenatal ultrasound and which are characterized by the externalization of the intestine. However, what differs gastroschisis from omphalocele is the fact that in the omphalocele the intestine and the organs that may also be out of the abdominal cavity are covered by a thin membrane, while in the gastroschisis there is no membrane surrounding the organ.
In addition, in the omphalocele the umbilical cord is compromised and the intestine exits through an opening in the umbilicus, while in the gastroschisis the opening is close to the umbilicus and there is no involvement of the umbilical cord. Understand what an omphalocele is and how it is treated.
Main causes
Gastroschisis is a congenital defect and can be diagnosed during pregnancy, through routine exams, or after birth. Among the main causes of gastroschisis are:
- Use of aspirin during pregnancy; Low Body Mass Index of the pregnant woman; Age of the mother under 20 years old; Smoking during pregnancy; Frequent or excessive consumption of alcoholic beverages during pregnancy; Recurrent urinary infections.
It is important that women whose children have been diagnosed with gastroschisis are monitored during pregnancy so that they are prepared regarding the baby's condition, treatment after birth and possible complications.
How the treatment is done
The treatment for gastroschisis is done right after birth, and the use of antibiotics is usually indicated by the doctor as a way to prevent infections or fight infections already present. In addition, the baby can be placed in a sterile bag to prevent infection by resistant microorganisms, which are common in a hospital environment.
If the baby's abdomen is large enough, the doctor may perform surgery to place the intestine into the abdominal cavity and close the opening. However, when the abdomen is not large enough, the intestine can be kept protected from infections while the doctor monitors the return of the intestine to the abdominal cavity naturally or until the abdomen has the capacity to hold the intestine, performing the surgery in then.
