Objective: To investigate the ultrasound (US) markers predictive of complex gastroschisis (CG), mortality, and morbidity in fetuses with gastroschisis.
Materials and methods: This was a retrospective cohort study of 186 pregnancies with isolated fetal gastroschisis. Eight US markers were analyzed. The predictions and associations of US markers with CG, mortality, and morbidity were assessed. Combinations of US markers predictive of CG were investigated.
Results: Extra-abdominal bowel dilatation (EABD), intra-abdominal bowel dilatation (IABD), and polyhydramnios were predictive of CG. EABD between 25 and 28 weeks had a sensitivity of 64%, a specificity of 89%, a positive predictive value (PPV) of 56.2%, and negative predictive value (NPV) of 91.8%. The predictions of IABD were sensitivity = 26.7%, specificity = 96.7%, PPV = 61.5%, and NPV = 86.8%. The odds ratios for CG in the presence of 1 and 2 US markers, compared with the absence of a US marker, were 18.3 (95% CI, 3.83-87.64) and 73.3 (95% CI, 6.14-876), respectively.
Conclusion: US markers predictive of CG were established. The combination of these markers increases the probability of CG.
Keywords: Bowel atresia; Bowel dilatation; Bowel necrosis; Bowel perforation; Bowel stenosis; Complex gastroschisis; Fetal gastroschisis; Prenatal ultrasound markers.
© 2017 S. Karger AG, Basel.