Gastroschisis

BY: MASSIEL CORONADO

Table of Contents Gastroschisis vs Omphalocele
Gastroschisis Omphalocele
What is Gastroschisis? ...................................................................................................1

Causes and Risk Factors ...............................................................................................2 Hole next to belly button Hole inside belly button

Development and Diagnosis .......................................................................................3

Intestines are not Intestines are covered by
Associated Conditions ...................................................................................................4 covered by a protective protective sac
sac
Gastroschisis vs Omphalocele ....................................................................................5 Amniotic fluid can Organs extend into the
irritate the intestines umbilical cord
due to no protective
covering
Occurs more often, 2-6 Occurs in 2 out of every
out of every 10,000 10,000 newborns
newborns

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Associated Conditions
Short Gut Syndrome
This is when there is a missing part of the small intestine. Normally at
least half of the bowel is missing. Because of this the body does not
receive enough nutrients and water from the food, which causes
diarrhea.
This can occur when babies are born with bowel problems that damage
part of the intestines, such as the malrotation that causes Gastroschisis.
Damage to the bowel from cancer treatment or a bowel injury could also
lead to Short gut syndrome.
Midgut Volvulus
This is when the intestines become twisted due to malrotation that
occurs during fetal development. This malrotation occurs when the
normal embryological sequence of the bowel development is interrupted.
This can cause a blockage that can cut off blood flow. While this can occur
at any age, it is more frequent in children and infants.
Intestinal Atresia
This is when there is a complete blockage or obstruction anywhere in the
intestines. When there is only a partial obstruction it is called stenosis.
Although this can affect many different parts of the digestive system, the
small intestine is the most commonly affected portion. The 4 different
types of intestinal atresia are Pyloric atresia, Duodenal atresia, Jejunoileal
atresia, and Colonic atresia.
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What is Gastroschisis?
Gastroschisis is when the baby is born with its intestines outside
of the body. Usually it is only the intestines that are found outside
but the spleen and ovaries in girls can also be found outside. This
occurs when the baby’s abdominal is weak and does not fully
develop, allowing for the organs to protrude through a small hole
on the right side of the belly button.
When only the bowel is outside of the abdominal wall it is
considered simple. It is considered complicated when the bowel
gets damaged, when the baby’s bowel isn’t completely formed, or
other organs beside the intestines are found outside of the
abdomen.
When outside the body, the bowel is unprotected and in direct
contact with the amniotic fluid. This could lead to swelling,
irritation, or damage of the bowel.
At the moment, Gastroschisis is relatively rare. It occurs 2-6 out of
every 10,000 newborns. These numbers have increased and will
continue to increase over the years.
The mother will not experience any symptoms related to the
Gastroschisis.
The mother should deliver vaginally unless there are obstetric
concerns The doctor might suggest getting a C-section at about 37
weeks if the baby’s lungs aren’t mature enough.
 Why this Happens?

The mesentery is skinny so it allows the bowel to twist Development

causing malrotation. This disruption of the development
of the gastrointestinal tract can lead to the development Develops early in pregnancy between the 4th and 8th week of
of Gastroschisis. gestation.

Diagnosis
Causes
 Can be seen as early as 14 weeks on an ultrasound
The causes of Gastroschisis aren’t well understood. It is  If the mother has elevated alpha-fetoprotein (AFP), this
believed that it occurs because of abnormal changes in could indicate Gastroschisis
genes or chromosomes. Exposure to environmental toxins  The mother will require more frequent ultrasounds to
or medications could also be a factor. monitor the fetus after diagnosis

Risk Factors
 Younger mother
 White teenagers are more likely to give birth to a
child with Gastroschisis than African American
teens
 Lower income families

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