Congenital Abdominal Wall Defects Research Articles

Prenatal Prognosis of Omphalocele Using Magnetic Resonance Imaging Measurement of Fetal Lung Volumes

BackgroundOmphalocele is a congenital midline abdominal wall defect resulting in herniation of viscera into a membrane-covered sac. Pulmonary complications, including pulmonary hypoplasia, pulmonary hypertension, and prolonged respiratory support are a leading cause of neonatal morbidity and mortality. Objective(s)This study aimed to assess the role of fetal MRI-derived lung volumes and omphalocele defect size as clinical tools to prognosticate postnatal pulmonary morbidity and neonatal mortality in those with a prenatally diagnosed omphalocele (PDO). Study DesignThis was a retrospective cohort study of all pregnancies with PDO at our fetal center from 2007-2023. Pregnancies with aneuploidy or concurrent life-limiting fetal anomalies were excluded. Using fetal MRI, observed-to-expected total fetal lung volume (O/E TLV) ratios were determined by a previously published method. The transverse diameter of the abdominal defect was also measured. The O/E TLV ratios and abdominal defect measurements were compared with postnatal outcomes. The primary outcome was death at any time. Secondary outcomes included death in the first 30 days of life or before discharge from birth hospitalization, the requirement of respiratory support with intubation and mechanical ventilation, or development of pulmonary hypertension. ResultsOf 101 pregnancies with a PDO, 54 pregnancies (53.5%) with prenatally diagnosed omphalocele met inclusion criteria. There was a significant increase in the rate of death when compared between the three O/E TLV classifications: 1/36 (2.8%) in the O/E ≥ 50% group, 3/14 (21.4%) in the O/E 25 - 49.9% group, and 4/4 (100%) in the O/E < 25% group (p < 0.001). The rate of intubation increased with the severity of O/E TLV classification, with 27.8% in the O/E ≥ 50% group, 64.3% in the O/E 25 - 49.9% group, and 100% in the O/E < 25% group (p = 0.003). The rate of pulmonary hypertension was also higher in the O/E 25 - 49.9% (50.0%) and the O/E < 25% (50.0%) groups compared to the O/E ≥ 50% group (8.3%, p = 0.002). There was no association between the transverse diameter of the abdominal wall defect and the primary outcome of death (OR = 1.08 95% CI = [0.65-1.78], p=0.77). ConclusionsIn our cohort of patients with PDO, O/E TLV <50% is associated with death, need for intubation, prolonged intubation, and pulmonary hypertension. In contrast, omphalocele size demonstrated no prognostic value for these outcomes. The strong association between low fetal lung volume on MRI and poor neonatal outcomes highlights the utility of fetal MRI for estimating postnatal prognosis. Clinicians can utilize fetal lung volumes to direct perinatal counseling and optimize the plan of care.

Use of a new vertical traction device for early traction-assisted staged closure of congenital abdominal wall defects: a prospective series of 16 patients

PurposeAbdominal wall closure in patients with giant omphalocele (GOC) and complicated gastroschisis (GS) remains to be a surgical challenge. To facilitate an early complete abdominal wall closure, we investigated the combination of a staged closure technique with continuous traction to the abdominal wall using a newly designed vertical traction device for newborns.MethodsFour tertiary pediatric surgery departments participated in the study between 04/2022 and 11/2023. In case primary organ reduction and abdominal wall closure were not amenable, patients underwent a traction-assisted abdominal wall closure applying fasciotens®Pediatric. Outcome parameters were time to closure, surgical complications, infections, and hernia formation.ResultsTen patients with GOC and 6 patients with GS were included. Complete fascial closure was achieved after a median time of 7 days (range 4–22) in GOC and 5 days (range 4–11) in GS. There were two cases of tear-outs of traction sutures and one skin suture line dehiscence after fascial closure. No surgical site infection or signs of abdominal compartment syndrome were seen. No ventral or umbilical hernia occurred after a median follow-up of 12 months (range 4–22).ConclusionTraction-assisted staged closure using fasciotens®Pediatric enabled an early tension-less fascial closure in GOC and GS in the newborn period.

Frequency of gastroschisis and omphalocele and possible influence of maternal folic acid supplementation. A narrative review.

There is an increase in the worldwide prevalence of congenital abdominal wall defects (CAWD), with gastroschisis (GS) and omphalocele (OC) being the most common. It is widely accepted that folic acid supplementation (FAS) in the maternal diet decreases the incidence of anomalies such as neural tube defects, but there is controversy regarding the possible beneficial role for other congenital malformations. Several epidemiological studies raise controversy regarding a possible relationship between vitamin supplementation with the occurrence of abdominal wall malformations. The aim of the present study is to obtain an updated review of the global frequency of CAWD in neonates and the relationship with FAS in the mothers. For this we have carried out a systematic search of epidemiological studies in different article databases between 2011 and 2022. The analysis of 25 studies conducted in different countries where cases of OC and/or GS are registered directly or together with other congenital defects shows that 60% inquire into the relationship of FAS with the incidence of CAWD. Half of them proposes a beneficial effect of FAS and the other half find no association, concluding that there is no unanimous evidence that FAS in the maternal diet decreases the incidence of CAWD. However, it seems that an influential factor to take into account is the nutritional habits of the mothers.

Gastroschisis and omphalocele: Incidence and outcome

Gastroschisis and omphalocele are the most common congenital abdominal wall defects. The main purpose of this study was to investigate the incidence, other associated anomalies and the course of these diseases in Iceland. The study was retrospective. The population was all newborns who were admitted to the NICU of Children's Hospital Iceland due to gastroschisis or omphalocele in 1991-2020. Furthermore, all fetuses diagnosed prenatally or post mortem where the pregnancy ended in spontaneous or induced abortion, were included. During the study period, 54 infants were born with gastroschisis and five with omphalocele. The incidence of gastroschisis was 4.11 and omphalocele 0,38/10,000 births. There was no significant change in the incidence of the diseases during the study period. In addition, five fetuses were diagnosed with gastroschisis and 31 with omphalocele where the pregnancy was terminated. In addition to gastroschisis in the live born infants and fetuses the most common associated anomalies were in the gastrointestinal or urinary tract but in infants and fetuses with omphalocele anomalies of the cardiac, central nervous or skeletal systems were the most common. Sixteen fetuses diagnosed with omphalocele had trisomy 18. Mothers aged 16-20 were more likely to give birth to an infant with gastroschisis than older mothers (p< 0.001). Primary closure was successful in 86% of the infants. Those reached full feedings significantly earlier and were discharged earlier. Overall survival rate was 95%. Three children were still receiving parenteral nutrition at discharge due to short bowel syndrome. The incidence of gastroschisis in Iceland is in accordance with studies in other countries but but the incidence of omphalocele is lower, which can be partly explained by spontaneous or induced abortions. Other anomalies associated with omphalocele are more severe than those associated with gastroschisis. Primary closure was associated with more benign course. Children with gastroschisis may need prolonged parenteral nutrition due to shortening of their intestines.

Omphalocele with umbilical cord cyst and mesomelia: A case report

Omphalocele is a rare congenital abdominal wall defect with a reported prevalence of 3.38 per 10,000 pregnancies. It is associated commonly with chromosomal abnormalities (10%–30%) and additional structural abnormalities (55%–58%). Trisomy 13 and 18 are most commonly associated with aneuploidies, which are also associated with umbilical cord cysts and mesomelia.

Heart Rate Variability as a Prognostic Tool for Gastroschisis Infants in the Neonatal Intensive Critical Unit.

Gastroschisis is the most common congenital abdominal wall defect, with an increasing incidence. It results in extrusion of abdominal contents with associated delayed intestinal motility. Abnormal heart rate characteristics (HRCs) such as decreased variability occur due to the inflammatory response to sepsis in preterm infants. This study aimed to test the hypothesis that infants with gastroschisis have decreased heart rate variability (HRV) after birth and that this physiomarker may predict outcomes. We analyzed heart rate data from and clinical variables for all infants admitted with gastroschisis from 2009 to 2020. Forty-seven infants were admitted during the study period and had available data. Complex gastroschisis infants had reduced HRV after birth. For those with sepsis and necrotizing enterocolitis, abnormal HRCs occurred early in the course of illness. Decreased HRV was associated with complex gastroschisis. Infants in this group experienced complications that prolonged time to full enteral feeding and time on total parenteral nutrition. · Infants with gastroschisis can be classified into two subcategories, simple and complex disease.. · Those with complex disease often require prolonged stays in the neonatal intensive care unit and costly hospitalizations. We hypothesized that infants with complex gastroschisis are more likely to have abnormal HRC due to intestinal inflammation.. · In this study, we identified associations between abnormal HRV, heart rate characteristicHRC, and the development of gastroschisis complications. Additionally, we described differences in clinical characteristics between infants with complex versus simple gastroschisis..

Role of Surgery in the Outcome Difference of Gastroschisis between High-income and Lowmiddle- income Countries: A Review

Gastroschisis is a major congenital abdominal wall defect where the abdominal viscera comes out through a gap right to the umbilicus. The management of gastroschisis requires prompt and aggressive medical and surgical intervention immediately after birth. However, there is a notable disparity in mortality rates between developed countries and LMICs. Despite various surgical technique adjustments, LMICs still suffer from a high mortality rate, with certain centers reporting a 100% mortality rate. This article seeks to examine the literature and evaluate the impact of surgical techniques on the outcome of gastroschisis.&#x0D; DS (Child) H J 2022; 38(2): 103-106

Development of a low-cost congenital abdominal wall defect simulator (wall-go) for undergraduate medical education: a validation study

BackgroundCongenital Anomalies were responsible for 303,000 deaths in the neonatal period, according to the WHO, they are among the world’s top 20 causes of morbidity and mortality. Expensive simulators demonstrate several diseases, but few are related to congenital anomalies. This study aims to develop, validate, and evaluate low-cost simulator models (WALL-GO) of the most common abdominal wall defects, gastroschisis, and omphalocele, to enable diagnosis through an accessible tool with study value and amenable to replication.MethodsMarket research was conducted to find materials to build low-cost models. The researchers built the model and underwent validation assessment of the selected experts who scored five or more in the adapted Fehring criteria. The experts were assessed through a 5-point Likert scale to 7 statements (S1-7). Statements were assigned values according to relevance in face and transfer validities. Concomitantly, the model was also evaluated by students from 1st to 5th year with the same instruments. Content Validity Indexes (CVIs) were considered validated between groups with concordance greater than 90%. Text feedback was also collected. Each statement was subjected to Fisher’s Exact Test.ResultsGastroschisis and omphalocele model costs were US $15 and US $27, respectively. In total, there were 105 simulator evaluators. 15 experts were selected. Of the 90 students, there were 16 (1st year), 22 (2nd), 16 (3rd), 22 (4th), and 14 (5th). Students and experts obtained CVI = 96.4% and 94.6%, respectively. The CVIs of each statement were not significantly different between groups (p < 0,05).ConclusionsThe WALL-GO models are suitable for use and replicable at a manufacturable low cost. Mannequins with abdominal wall defects are helpful in learning to diagnose and can be applied in teaching and training health professionals in developing and low-income countries.

Long-term motor activity, cardiopulmonary performance and quality of life in abdominal wall defect patients

AimTo assess whether patients born with an abdominal wall defect (AWD) have impaired cardiorespiratory performance capacity, motor skills, core stability or quality of life in a long-term follow up.MethodsPatients diagnosed with AWD between 2002 and 2013 were invited to participate in the study, which included clinical examination, spirometry, cardiopulmonary exercise performance testing, assessment of motor activity, ultrasound, electromyography of the abdominal wall and assessment of the Gastrointestinal Quality of Life Index (GIQLI). The results were compared to a healthy control group matched for age, sex, BMI, and physical activity levels.ResultsIn total, 18 AWD patients (mean age 12.6 ± 3.5 years) were included and there were no significant differences in anthopometric data compared to the control group (n = 18). AWD patients had a significantly lower GIQLI score (AWD mean 137.2 ± 6.8 vs. control mean 141.4 ± 4.9; p = 0.038) and were affected by decreased motor abilities with significantly higher Dordel-Koch-Test values (AWD median 3.54/IQR 1 vs. control median 2.8/IQR 1; p = 0.005).ConclusionFollow-up examinations of AWD patients revealed decreased motor abilities and GIQLI scores while cardiopulmonary function was not different compared to healthy controls. The clinical impact of these findings remains to be elucidated.ImpactClinical examination, assessment of the gastrointestinal quality of life, sport medical testing, electromyography and abdominal wall ultrasound were performed in patients with congenital abdominal wall defect and compared to an age and sex matched healthy control group.Results of spirometry and spiroergometry, ultrasound or electromyography did not significantly differ between the groups.Significantly decreased locomotor function and gastrointestinal quality of life were found in patients with abdominal wall defect. However, the clinical impact of these findings remains to be elucidated.

Successful management of Gastroschisis baby at Tripura medical college and Dr. BRAM teaching hospital: a rare case report

Gastroschisis is a congenital defect of the anterior abdominal wall in which the intestines and other abdominal organs, protrude from the abdomen through a small hole. In recent years rates of Gastroschisis have been increasing. Most of cases it is an isolated defect or associated with other anomalies. Ultrasonography can detect it within 14 weeks after physiological herniation. Gastroschisis and omphalocele are two defect that closely resemble each other. In this case, we discuss a newborn baby with gastroschisis being successfully managed and was discharged in healthy condition 21days later.

Omphalocele and gastroschisis: An analysis of prenatal diagnosis and neonatal outcomes

AbstractBackgroundOmphalocele and gastroschisis are the most frequent congenital developmental abdominal wall defects. Prenatal diagnosis of omphalocele and gastroschisis is critical in the management of the pregnancy, affording patients the option of termination. This study aims to evaluate the prenatal diagnosis and postnatal outcomes of omphalocele and gastroschisis cases.Materials and MethodsThe cases of gastroschisis and omphalocele diagnosed prenatally and followed up at our university were evaluated retrospectively between January 2019 and January 2022. Maternal demographic and clinical characteristics and perinatal outcomes were compared between the cases.ResultsThis study evaluated 42 omphalocele and nine gastroschisis cases. All gastroschisis cases were isolated (p = .001). Additional anomalies were present in 61.9% of omphalocele cases. While two patients with gastroschisis refused the invasive procedure, the genetic results of the others were normal. The karyotype was abnormal in 42.9% of omphalocele cases (p = .008). Half of the omphalocele cases were terminated, and 38.1% (n = 8) of the terminated omphalocele cases were trisomy 18. The coexistence of multiple system anomalies and cystic hygroma was high in the terminated cases. In all cases of gastroschisis, only the intestines protruded from the abdominal wall into the amniotic fluid. The number of survivors of omphalocele was 23.8%. The median hospital stay was 25 and 14 days for gastroschisis and omphalocele, respectively.ConclusionPrenatal diagnosis of omphalocele and gastroschisis is critical in pregnancy management. The presence of associated anomalies determines the prognosis of omphalocele and gastroschisis.

A23Wrapping a gastroschisis baby: an MDT simulation programme

Gastroschisis is a congenital defect of the anterior abdominal wall characterized by the herniation of abdominal contents through a defect usually located to the right-side of the umbilical cord [1]. Team-working, collaboration and clear communication between the obstetric, neonatal, and paediatric surgical teams are critical to achieving optimal outcomes in gastrochisis [2]. A national cohort study of all surgical units in the UK and Ireland identified primary closure as the optimal surgical management for antenatally detected cases of simple gastroschisis [3]. A local retrospective audit in RBHSC identified a higher rate of staged gastroschisis repair in the last 10 years with 66% of patients requiring initial silo placement, when compared to 45% national average. Data also demonstrated that patient with silo placement took longer to achieve full feeds, prolonged TPN, delayed discharge, and increased complications rates. To create an interprofessional simulation programme for the preparation and management of a gastroschisis delivery, resuscitation, and initial stabilization. Aims of this project are to improve awareness of optimal stabilization management, efficiency of bowel wrapping and clear communication amongst the MDT with the overall goal of improving the rate of primary closure and outcomes in our unit. A gastroschisis simulation model was created using vegan-sausage casings, jelly, and food colouring to create the bowel. The simulation programme focused on; team education of optimal gastroschisis management, team and delivery room preparation, primary resuscitation and bowel wrapping with clingfilm. Following a lecture of gastroschisis management and demonstration of delivery room stabilization participants were divided into teams of five, given a scenario, asked to prepare equipment, allocate roles and work in sync to achieve effective resuscitation and stabilization of the new-born. Pre and Post simulation feedback was collected and course adapted using a PDSA cycle. For continued learning a post-course video for delivery room management of gastroschisis was created and available for everyone to reference at any time in any location. Pre-simulation: 56% of participants had no previous training or clinical experience of the management of gastroschisis and 78% didn’t feel confident in providing delivery suite management and stabilization. 100% of attendees felt the simulation training improved their confidence of initial management and stabilization of gastroschisis and all would recommend this course to their peers. Simulation-based interdisciplinary team training can serve as a channel for the acquisition and maintenance of clinical skills. It is crucial to improving the management of complex neonatal conditions. Authors confirm that all relevant ethical standards for research conduct and dissemination have been met. The submitting author confirms that relevant ethical approval was granted, if applicable.

A case of omphalocele associated with teratoma in a new born baby: a very rare case report

An omphalocele is a congenital midline abdominal wall defect at the level of the umbilical cord insertion into the fetal abdomen that results in herniation of intra-abdominal contents into a sac comprising of an outer layer of amnion and an inner layer of peritoneum. The most common eviscerated contents are liver and small intestine though virtually any organ can be seen within the omphalocele sac including colon, pancreas, spleen, omentum, stomach, heart or genitalia. We report an unusual case of omphalocele associated with mature teratoma in Tripura medical college and DR. BRAM teaching hospital. Only five cases of teratoma arising in a case of omphalocele are reported in the literature reviewed.

Enhancing Omphalocele Care: Navigating Complications and Innovative Treatment Approaches.

Congenital abdominal wall abnormalities in infants present an interesting and difficult management problem for surgeons. Congenital malformations of the ventral abdominal wall can be diagnosed by their distinctive anatomical presentations. Among them, omphalocele, gastroschisis and umbilical cord hernias are the most frequently observed clinically detected abdominal wall anomalies. Omphalocelerefers to the herniation of abdominal contents through a defect in the abdominal wall at the umbilicus with or without the presence of a sac. This article gives an insight into the embryology, risk factors, treatment, investigations and complications of omphalocele, a common congenital abdominal wall defect. There is minimal proof that environmental factors contribute to the development of omphalocele. However, there is a considerable amount of evidence which points to the importance of genetic or familial risk factors. Newborns and infants with prenatal diagnoses are the most frequently presenting patients with omphalocele to paediatric surgeons. This article describes the problems and the steps of managementfor handling each circumstance, as well as any further complications. Omphalocele and gastroschisis are frequently described together in many research papers. However, it's crucial to considerthat they are two different conditions which vary in anatomy, pathologyand associated conditionswhich account for the difference in their treatments and noticeably varied outcomes. Additionally, there is evidence that each has a different set of factors associated with risk for occurrence. There are no known etiologic causes that cause these abnormalities to develop. The size of the baby, the extent of the lesion, and any other disorders all affect how individuals with these congenital abdominal wall anomalies are treated.

Assessment of Silver Sulfadiazine Dressing in the Non-Operative Management of Omphalocele

Background: Non-operative management of omphalocele, a congenital abdominal wall defect involving abdominal viscera protrusion through the umbilical cord base, poses significant neonatal care challenges. Silver sulfadiazine dressing, renowned for its antimicrobial and wound-healing properties, is emerging as a potential adjunctive therapy for omphalocele. Aim of the study: This study aimed to assess the effectiveness of silver sulfadiazine dressing in the non-operative management of omphalocele. Methods: This prospective interventional study was carried out at Dhaka Medical College and Hospital (DMCH), Dhaka, Bangladesh, from March 2018 to June 2020. The study included 10 neonates with omphalocele who received silver sulfadiazine dressing. Random sampling was employed for participant selection, and data were collected using a pre-designed data collection sheet. Analysis and presentation of data were done using the MS Office suite. Results: The average age of the participants was 1.0±1.15 years, and 60% of them were male. Participants with omphaloceles showed diverse sac sizes, with 10% having sacs ≤5 cm, and 90% &gt;5 cm (mean 7.30 cm ± 2.58 cm). Eschar formation took 7.70±2.62 days. Initial hospital stays averaged 9.10±1.91 days. Epithelization commenced in 18.90±3.60 days. Full epithelization across participants averaged 103.30±16.74 days. Conclusion: Eschar formation and initial hospital stays are as expected, but complete epithelization is significantly prolonged, highlighting the need for ongoing care. Our recommendation for medical practitioners is to tailor care to omphalocele patients, especially regarding epithelization management, considering individual needs and optimizing the process.

Gastroschisis in Sub-Saharan Africa: a scoping review of the prevalence, management practices, and associated outcomes.

Gastroschisis is a congenital defect of the anterior abdominal wall characterized by a periumbilical abdominal wall defect with associated bowel protrusion. Limitations in the diagnosis and management of gastroschisis in Sub-Saharan African countries contribute to the high mortality rate. Few studies have been published despite its significant contribution to neonatal mortality in Sub-Saharan Africa. This review study explores the prevalence of gastroschisis, likewise the management and clinical outcomes. Full-text articles reporting the prevalence, management, and associated outcomes of gastroschisis in Sub-Saharan Africa were included. Data were extracted from databases such as PubMed, Google Scholar, and Ajol following a systematic search. The study was reported following the PRISMA-ScR guideline. A total of ten articles which included studies conducted from 1999 to 2022 fulfilled the criteria. The prevalence of gastroschisis varied widely, ranging from 0.026 to 1.75 with an overall mortality rate of 62.48%. Young maternal age is strongly associated with the incidence of gastroschisis. The study showed a slight male preponderance with a M: F ratio of 1.12:1. Staged closure with silos is the preferred method of management, it is explicitly linked to improved clinical outcomes. The prevalence rate and associated mortality of gastroschisis remain alarmingly high in most of the studies. There is a need for advanced diagnostic and management practices as well as increased awareness of gastroschisis to reduce mortality and improve survival outcomes.

Avoiding High Pressure Abdominal Closure of Congenital Abdominal Wall Defects-One Step Further to Improve Outcomes.

The main goal of surgical treatment for gastroschisis and omphalocele is the reduction of viscera in the abdominal cavity and closure of the abdomen, but the challenge is to succeed without the detrimental effects of increased intraabdominal pressure. In this regard, we performed a retrospective study for all patients admitted for gastroschisis and omphalocele to the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit of 'Marie Sklodowska Curie' Emergency Clinical Hospital for Children, from January 2011 until June 2021. Our aim was to highlight the presence of postoperative abdominal compartment syndrome. We observed that six out of forty-seven patients developed clinical signs of abdominal compartment syndrome, five associated with primary closure and one with staged closure with a polyvinyl chloride patch. Following the results, we decided to implement the trans-bladder measurement of intraabdominal pressure to avoid closing the abdomen at pressures higher than 10 mmHg in order to prevent the development of abdominal compartment syndrome. We consider that there is still place for the improvement of congenital abdominal wall defects management and that the measurement of intraabdominal pressure might help us reach our goal.

Early outcome analysis of Gastroschisis from a high-volume tertiary care institute in India: A prospective observational study

Background: Gastroschisis is one of the common congenital anterior abdominal wall defects with uncovered abdominal contents (usually intestines) protruding through it. Immediate reduction of the abdominal contents is crucial after birth because of the grave consequences of delayed management. The aim of our study was to evaluate the early outcomes of Gastroschisis at a tertiary care institute in India. Methods: This prospective observational study was undertaken over a one-year duration extending from January to December 2021 at our pediatric tertiary care teaching institute. Results: There were 30 male and 28 female patients, out of which 37 were preterm neonates. The mean birth weight was 2019±357g. Seven patients (12.07%) had major associated malformations. Fifty (86.21%) patients underwent primary skin flap closure. Staged reduction with silo was accomplished in five (8.62%) patients; three patients died during resuscitation before any therapeutic procedure could be undertaken. Among 55 (94.83%) patients with surgical procedures, only 26 (47.27%) could be salvaged with overall favorable (survival) outcomes in 44.83% of patients. Mortality was high (92.59%, 25/27) in the patients presenting with markedly edematous bowel with leathery peel. Seventeen (29.31%, 17/58) neonates died in the first 72 hours (postoperatively) due to complications of abdominal compartment syndrome, eight (13.79%) patients died due to postoperative sepsis with thrombocytopenia, and two (3.44%) had intestinal perforation. The duration of hospital stay in neonates who survived ranged from one to four weeks. Conclusion: Overall survival rates in our study were 44.83% markedly in contrast to the series published in the recent literature. The outcome of preterm (premature) patients, associated intestinal atresia, presence of edematous bowel with leathery peel, patients requiring silo due to viscero-abdominal disproportion, necrotizing enterocolitis, and associated malformations, was dismal.

Omphalocele containing an umbilical evagination of the bladder: A case report

An omphalocele is a common congenital abdominal wall defect, however co-occurring urological anomalies are rare. With the aim of optimizing treatment in future cases, we present a case of a male newborn with an omphalocele containing an unusual mucosal protruding mass, and give an overview of differential diagnosis and current literature. A newborn presented with an omphalocele containing small bowel, and a defect in the sac through which a protruding annular mucosal mass was visible. On previous prenatal ultrasounds, there were findings of an enlarged urinary bladder with patent urachus, communicating with a large allantoic cyst. The patient was taken to the operating room for exploration of the mucosal mass, which then appeared to be connected to an opening in the urinary bladder. The mucosal mass was successfully excised and the urinary bladder and abdominal wall defect were both primarily closed. Omphalocele with co-occurring urological anomalies are rare and come with a broad differential diagnosis. Surgeons must take prenatal, clinical and perioperative findings in consideration in order to adequately diagnose and treat the anomalies.

Factors Associated with Hospital Readmission One Year Post-Discharge in Infants with Gastroschisis

Introduction: Gastroschisis is the most common congenital abdominal wall defect with a rising prevalence. Infants with gastroschisis are at risk for multiple complications, leading to a potential increased risk for hospital readmission after discharge. We aimed to find the frequency and factors associated with an increased risk of readmission. Methods: A retrospective analysis of infants born with gastroschisis between 2013 and 2019 who received initial surgical intervention and follow-up care in the Children’s Wisconsin health system was performed. The primary outcome was the frequency of hospital readmission within 1 year of discharge. We also compared maternal and infant clinical and demographic variables between those readmitted for reasons related to gastroschisis, and those readmitted for other reasons or not readmitted. Results: Forty of 90 (44%) infants born with gastroschisis were readmitted within 1-year of the initial discharge date, with 33 (37%) of the 90 infants being readmitted due to reasons directly related to gastroschisis. The presence of a feeding tube (p < 0.0001), a central line at discharge (p = 0.007), complex gastroschisis (p = 0.045), conjugated hyperbilirubinemia (p = 0.035), and the number of operations during the initial hospitalization (p = 0.044) were associated with readmission. Maternal race/ethnicity was the only maternal variable associated with readmission, with Black race being less likely to be readmitted (p = 0.003). Those who were readmitted were also more likely to be seen in outpatient clinics and utilize emergency healthcare resources. There was no statistically significant difference in readmission based on socioeconomic factors (all p > 0.084). Conclusion: Infants with gastroschisis have a high hospital readmission rate, which is associated with a variety of risk factors including complex gastroschisis, multiple operations, and the presence of a feeding tube or central line at discharge. Improved awareness of these risk factors may help stratify patients in need of increased parental counseling and additional follow-up.