Maternal nutrient intake and fetal gastroschisis: A case-control study

Area of Science:

• Obstetrics and Gynecology
• Pediatric Surgery
• Nutritional Science

Background:

• Fetal gastroschisis is a congenital abdominal wall defect of unknown etiology.
• Nutritional factors are hypothesized to contribute to gastroschisis development.
• This condition affects young pregnant women, necessitating research into causative elements.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the association between maternal nutrient intake and the occurrence of fetal gastroschisis.
• To compare the dietary patterns of pregnant women with and without gastroschisis in their fetuses.

Main Methods:

• A case-control study design was employed.
• The study included 57 pregnant women in the gastroschisis group (GG) and 114 controls (CG).
• Maternal nutritional intake was assessed using a food consumption frequency questionnaire for the preconception period.

Main Results:

• The gastroschisis group (GG) exhibited a significantly higher median daily calorie intake compared to the control group (CG) (2,382.43 vs. 2,198.81 kcal; p = .041).
• Median intake of methionine (763.89 vs. 906.34; p = .036) and threonine (1,248.34 vs. 1,437.01; p = .018) was lower in the GG than in the CG.
• Maternal diets associated with gastroschisis were characterized by higher calories and lower essential amino acids.

Conclusions:

• Maternal preconception diet characterized by high calorie intake and low methionine and threonine levels is associated with fetal gastroschisis.
• These findings highlight the potential role of specific nutritional patterns in the development of gastroschisis.
• Further research into preconception nutrition is warranted to understand and potentially prevent gastroschisis.