Summary
Definition
History and exam
Key diagnostic factors
- maternal age <20 years (gastroschisis)
- maternal age >35 years (omphalocele)
- elevated maternal serum alpha-fetoprotein (gastroschisis)
- positive prenatal ultrasound
- fetal chromosomal abnormalities (omphalocele)
- abdominal contents external to the abdominal wall
Risk factors
- maternal age <20 years (gastroschisis)
- male sex of neonate (gastroschisis)
- maternal age >35 years (omphalocele)
- smoking
- maternal infection during pregnancy
Diagnostic tests
1st tests to order
- clinical diagnosis
Treatment algorithm
gastroschisis
omphalocele
Contributors
Authors
Cynthia L. Leaphart, BA, BS, MD

Patient Safety
University of Florida College of Medicine
Jacksonville
FL
Disclosures
CLL declares that she has no competing interests.
Acknowledgements
Dr Cynthia L. Leaphart would like to gratefully acknowledge Dr Joseph T. Tepas, a previous contributor to this topic.
Disclosures
JTT declared that he had no competing interests.
Peer reviewers
Lewis Spitz, MBChB, PhD, FRCS, MD, FRCPCH, FAAP, FCS
Emeritus Nuffield Professor of Paediatric Surgery
Institute of Child Health
University College
London
UK
Disclosures
LS declares that he has no competing interests.
Fizan Abdullah, MD, PhD
Assistant Professor of Surgery
Division of Pediatric Surgery
Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine
Baltimore
MD
Disclosures
FA declares that he has no competing interests.
Ruth Hallows, BSc, MB BS, FRCS, FRCS III (Pediatric Surgery)
Consultant in Paediatric and Neonatal Surgery
Royal Alexandra Children's Hospital
Brighton
UK
Disclosures
RH declares that she has no competing interests.
Shilpi Chabra, MD
Assistant Professor
Department of Pediatrics
University of Washington Medical Center
Seattle
WA
Disclosures
SC declares that he has no competing interests.
References
Key articles
Torfs CP, Velie EM, Oechsli FW, et al. A population-based study of gastroschisis: demographic, pregnancy, and lifestyle risk factors. Teratology. 1994 Jul;50(1):44-53. Abstract
Langer JC, Harrison MR, Adzick NS, et al. Perinatal management of the fetus with an abdominal wall defect. Fetal Ther. 1987;2(4):216-21. Abstract
Glick PL, Harrison MR, Adzick NS, et al. The missing link in the pathogenesis of gastroschisis. J Pediatr Surg. 1985;20:406-9. Abstract
Snyder CL. Current management of umbilical abnormalities and related anomalies. Semin Pediatr Surg. 2007 Feb;16(1):41-9. Abstract
Sipes SL, Weiner CP, Sipes DR 2nd, et al. Gastroschisis and omphalocele: does either antenatal diagnosis or route of delivery make a difference in perinatal outcome? Obstet Gynecol. 1990 Aug;76(2):195-9. Abstract
Reference articles
A full list of sources referenced in this topic is available to users with access to all of BMJ Best Practice.
Differentials
- Cloacal exstrophy
More DifferentialsGuidelines
- Gastroschisis
- Gastroschisis: management prior to transfer to surgical centre
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