Fetal Gastroschisis: Review From Diagnosis to Delivery

Gastroschisis is a rare congenital condition that is increasing in incidence, possibly due to new lifestyles of women. Prenatal diagnosis is almost always possible in the second trimester, and color Doppler may be helpful. Fetuses with gastroschisis have higher rates of intrauterine growth restriction, but these rates may be overestimated by formulas that use abdominal circumference measurements in their calculations. Prenatal ultrasound markers of adverse perinatal outcomes have variable accuracy and should be interpreted with caution when suggesting early delivery. Intrauterine surgery is a future option for cases of complex gastroschisis, but it is still in the early stages of development. Gastroschisis is associated with a high risk of fetal death after 37 weeks of gestation, and fetal vitality monitoring is mandatory. The type of delivery does not alter perinatal outcomes.