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Functional urinary tract obstruction developing in fetuses with isolated gastroschisis.
R E Reiss1, M B Landon, V R Jayanthi
1Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Ohio State University, Columbus 43210, USA.
Summary
Urinary tract abnormalities can develop in fetuses with gastroschisis (a congenital abdominal wall defect). These secondary issues often resolve after surgical repair, but ongoing urologic monitoring is recommended.
Area of Science:
- Perinatology
- Pediatric Urology
- Fetal Medicine
Background:
- Gastroschisis is a congenital defect where intestines protrude outside the body.
- Urinary tract abnormalities (UTAs) are sometimes observed in fetuses with gastroschisis.
Observation:
- This study prospectively evaluated UTAs in fetuses with isolated gastroschisis using serial ultrasounds.
- Newborns with prenatally detected UTAs underwent pediatric urology evaluation.
Findings:
- Four out of 12 fetuses with gastroschisis developed UTAs.
- Common abnormalities included bladder herniation and upper tract dilatation.
- Hydronephrosis persisted post-repair, indicating a need for continued monitoring.
Implications:
- Fetal urinary tract deformations appear secondary to gastroschisis, not independent malformations.
- Routine fetal karyotyping may not be necessary for these cases.
- Neonates with hydronephrosis require ongoing urologic assessment.