Infections in gastroschisis: organisms and factors

This study aimed to define the incidence, causative organisms and predisposing factors leading to infection related morbidity in newborns with gastroschisis. All gastroschisis patients admitted over the 5-year period (1999-2004) were retrospectively reviewed. Surveillance samples, wound, blood, urine and fecal cultures were analyzed. Duration of total parenteral nutrition, antibiotic therapy, feeding regimes and demographic data were also analyzed. Multiple logistic regression was employed using the SPSS system and p < 0.05 was considered as significant. Seventy-two neonates were identified with 53% having abnormal gut carriage mostly due to Enterobacter and Klebsiella. Wound infection occurred in 20% of cases. Abnormal gut carriage predisposed to the development of wound infection. Line sepsis occurred in 21% of neonates. Endogenous coagulase negative Staphylococcus caused 74% of septic episodes. There was no correlation between abnormal gut carriage and the development of line sepsis. Overall survival was 96%. The cause of infections in gastroschisis patients appears to be multifactorial. A multidisciplinary team can play an important role in reducing the incidence of infections. Strict aseptic protocols and auditing practice can be the invaluable tools in decreasing morbidity rates.