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Updated: Jul 3, 2026
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Published on: March 10, 2020
Non-genetic risk factors for gastroschisis
Sonja A Rasmussen1, Jaime L Frías
1National Center on Birth Defects and Developmental Disabilities at Centers for Disease Control and Prevention in Atlanta, USA. skr9@cdc.gov
Summary
Gastroschisis, a congenital abdominal wall defect, has unknown causes. Research suggests both genetic and non-genetic factors, like young maternal age, contribute to its occurrence.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Surgery
- Medical Genetics
- Environmental Health
Background:
- Gastroschisis is a congenital abdominal wall defect characterized by herniation of abdominal contents through an opening near the umbilical cord.
- While genetic factors are suggested by recurrence risks, non-genetic influences are evident from increased incidence in younger mothers and recent trends.
- Despite recognizing non-genetic factors, few have been definitively identified, hindering prevention strategies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review and summarize existing literature on non-genetic risk factors for gastroschisis.
- To explore various categories of non-genetic factors implicated in gastroschisis etiology.
- To discuss the challenges in identifying definitive non-genetic causes of gastroschisis.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of studies investigating gastroschisis etiology.
- Analysis of research on sociodemographic factors, maternal exposures (medications, drugs, chemicals), and other potential non-genetic influences.
- Discussion of methodological challenges in gastroschisis research.
Main Results:
- The etiology of gastroschisis remains largely unknown.
- Young maternal age is a confirmed non-genetic risk factor.
- Other non-genetic factors, including sociodemographic variables and various exposures, have been investigated but not definitively established.
Conclusions:
- Non-genetic factors play a significant role in gastroschisis causation, alongside potential genetic influences.
- Further research is needed to identify specific non-genetic risk factors to develop effective prevention strategies.
- Understanding the complex interplay of genetic and environmental factors is crucial for addressing gastroschisis prevalence.
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