Gastroschisisrepresents a birth defect where infants have an abnormal opening in the anterior abdominal wall through which some intense stick out freely. Some contributing factors of gastroschisis are young mothers, smoking during pregnancy and complicated pregnancies because of infection. Drugs taken in the early stage of pregnancy can also cause the gastroschisis in the baby,
Paxil gastroschisis.
Approximately 1 in every 5,000 infants is born with gastroschisis. However report says that the rate is increasing and is now 4.5 in every 10,000 births.
Babies born with gastroschisis are almost always born prematurely or with low birth weight. Gastroschisis can be determined while the baby is still inside the mothers womb through a fetal ultrasound. Physical examination during birth can determine gastroschisis. The opening in the abdominal wall o the side of the umbilicus will be about 5 cm long. Some parts of the small intestine protrude through the opening and lie outside of the abdomen. In some cases, the large intestine and other organs may also protrude.
Decreased bowel mobility and difficulty with absorption is common among children with gastroschisis. Surgical repair can correct the condition. The defect will be closed once the intestine is pushed back into the abdomen. In cases where the intestine is inflamed, a special pouch is used to cover the intestine until the inflammation subsides and the intestine can be placed back into the abdomen. Even after the condition is corrected, difficulty with absorption of nutrients and passage of stool may still continue to be a problem. Long-term follow-up may be necessary to ensure that nutrition and elimination are adequate.
Nearly all children recover successfully after the surgery, but there are instances where they may develop complications and necessitate special formulas for feeding. The overall health condition of the infant plays a big part in his recovery. Since the condition can be discovered through a fetal ultrasound or during delivery, it is best to carry out proper interventions in order to prevent complications. For additional information and concern about gastroschisis, dont hesitate to confide with your doctor.
