Prevalence of abdominal wall defects in newborns. ECLAMC Study, 1982-2005

Abstract

Background: Omphalocele and gastroschisis constitute the most frequent abdominal wall defects (AWD), requiring early diagnosis and surgical treatment. 

Objectives: To identify AWD prevalence at the Maternity of University of Chile Clinical Hospital (UChCH), in order to compare it with other Chilean Maternities (ChM) and ECLAMC results. 

Results: The prevalence of AWD was 10,9/10 000 births in UChCH versus 3,8 in ChM (omphalocele 9/10 000 versus 2,8 with p = 0.006 and gastroschisis 1,9/10 000 versus 1,1 with p = 0,036). Maternal age average was 24,2 years for gastroschisis and 33,6 years for omphalocele (p < 0,004). The survival rate for gastroschisis was 100% against 31,7% for omphalocele (p < 0,0425). Most newborns with omphalocele present small gestational age, low birth weight and other congenital malformations. 

Conclusions: AWD prevalence was significantly greater in UChCH than in other ChM and ECLAMC. Gastroschisis appeared in children with younger mothers than omphalocele.