Fetal abdominal wall defects in an Australian tertiary setting: contemporary characteristics, ultrasound accuracy,...

In this study, we aimed to comprehensively evaluate risk factors, ultrasound estimation of fetal weight, prenatal management, and pregnancy outcomes of gastroschisis and omphalocele at a metropolitan Australian hospital.

This was a retrospective single-center cohort study from 2006 to 2014 at a tertiary hospital with colocated neonatal surgical facilities. Demographic, pregnancy, ultrasound, birth and neonatal data were compared between gastroschisis and omphalocele. Correlation between routine (Hadlock 1 &2) and specific (Siemer) estimated fetal weight (EFW) estimation formulae with birth weight (BW) was made for those 50 gastroschisis cases with ≥2 third trimester scans and last scan ≤2 weeks prior to birth.

There were 126 abdominal wall defects: 83 gastroschisis and 43 omphalocele. Consistent with international literature, the average maternal age was lower for gastroschisis and rates of smoking higher, while there were more intrauterine deaths and pregnancy terminations in omphalocele. Gastroschisis mothers were more likely living outside Sydney, had more infections in pregnancy and were followed with a larger number of antenatal visits, with a shorter period from the last visit to birth. In omphalocele pregnancies, amniocentesis was more likely performed, with more abnormal results than in gastroschisis fetuses. All EFW formulae had a good correlation between Z score for the last US and actual BW (ICC 0.693-0.815), with Hadlock 2 being the best. Siemer formula had the best correlation from first to the last scan. Gastroschisis newborns were born earlier (36.8 versus 38.2 wks p = .001), with smaller birthweight (2.52 versus 3.03 kg, p < .001), a longer request of intensive care (central line, parenteral nutrition, intubation) and second surgery, along with more multisystem complications (average 1.5 versus 0.7, p = .004) and a longer hospital stay (58.8 versus 36.8 d, p < .001).

Demographic, antenatal, and pregnancy outcome data for abdominal wall defects correlated well with the international literature. Hadlock 1-2 gave the most consistent EFW estimate, with all formulae showing good correlation.