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Updated: May 7, 2026

A Murine Model of Fetal Exposure to Maternal Inflammation to Study the Effects of Acute Chorioamnionitis on Newborn Intestinal Development
Published on: June 24, 2020
The influence of gastroschisis on plasmatic coagulation, humoral immunity, and C-reactive protein
H G Limbach1, A Quinten, H J Jesberger
1Universitätsklinik für Kinder-und Jugendmedizin, Frühgeborenenund Intensivstation, D-66421, Homburg/Saar, Germany.
Insights
Gastroschisis (GS) in premature infants causes inflammation, leading to blood clotting issues (hypercoagulability) and low antibody levels (hypogammaglobulinemia). Prophylactic low-dose heparin is recommended to prevent serious complications.
Area of Science:
- Neonatalogy
- Pediatric Surgery
- Hematology
Background:
- Gastroschisis (GS) is a congenital condition where intestines are exposed outside the body.
- Infants with GS, especially premature ones, exhibit chronic inflammatory reactions on intestinal surfaces.
- These reactions are linked to significant coagulation abnormalities and immune deficiencies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate coagulation profiles in infants with gastroschisis.
- To compare these profiles with those of infants with omphalocele and healthy controls.
- To identify potential risks and therapeutic strategies for gastroschisis-associated complications.
Main Methods:
- Coagulation studies were performed on 12 infants with gastroschisis.
- Comparative analysis included 4 infants with omphalocele, healthy premature infants, and term infants.
- Assessment focused on fibrinogen levels, coagulation status, and immunoglobulin levels.
Main Results:
- Gastroschisis patients exhibited severe hyperfibrinogenemia and hypercoagulability, particularly in premature infants.
- Marked hypogammaglobulinemia was observed in GS patients, correlating with increased infection rates.
- Coagulation abnormalities were significantly more pronounced in GS compared to omphalocele and control groups.
Conclusions:
- Gastroschisis is associated with significant hypercoagulability and hypogammaglobulinemia, increasing risks.
- Thromboembolic complications and disseminated intravascular coagulation are heightened risks.
- Prophylactic low-dose heparin therapy is indicated for infants with gastroschisis.
Abstract:
Around the 30th week of gestation, patients with gastroschisis (GS) develop chronic inflammatory reactions on the serosal surface of the eventrated loops of intestine that lead to severe hyperfibrinogenemia and hypercoagulability, particularly if they are born prematurely. This result was found on comparison of coagulation studies from 12 patients with GS with those of 4 patients with omphalocele and of healthy premature babies and term infants. Furthermore, the patients with GS showed marked hypogammaglobulinemia, which might also be responsible for the increased numbers of infections complicating the course of this disease. The hypercoagulability increases the risk of thromboembolic complications and disseminated intravascular coagulation, particularly in combination with the surgical closure of the abdominal wall that is undertaken postnatally or with perinatal complications such as asphyxia. Prophylactic therapy with low-dose heparin is indicated.
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