Gastroschisis is a complex birth condition that affects babies’ bowels. It is an abdominal wall defect marked by an opening in the baby’s abdomen through which their intestines spill out into the surrounding amniotic fluid, resulting in impaired gut maturation and dysmotility. Unfortunately, cases have doubled in the U.S. over the last two decades.
Geoanna M. Bautista, MD, assistant professor of pediatrics in the Division of Neonatology at UC Davis Children’s Hospital, is focusing her research on prematurity and congenital anomalies, including gastroschisis.
There is currently no in-utero treatment for gastroschisis, but there is growing interest in developing fetal interventions. This condition is often discovered in utero, around the 16-week ultrasound. Treatment is typically surgical correction of the defect as well as management of any complications that result. Read on as Dr. Bautista shares best practices in caring for newborns with gastroschisis.
