title: Ultrasonographic diagnosis and perinatal management of fetal abdominal wall defects.
abstract: Thirty-four fetuses with ultrasonographically diagnosed abdominal wall defects are described. In 20 out of the 25 (80%) cases with omphalocele, there were associated abnormalities, mainly chromosomal defects (48%), cardiac (28%), genitourinary (20%), craniofacial (20%) and diaphragmatic anomalies (12%). In gastroschisis, associated structural anomalies occurred in 2 out of 5. The 4 cases of abdominal wall defects as a part of amniotic band syndrome were associated with multiple severe defects. No chromosomal defects were found in the group with gastroschisis and amniotic band syndrome. Intrauterine fetal death occurred in 8 cases. Sixteen pregnancies were electively aborted because of an association with an anomaly incompatible with postnatal life; 3 pregnancies were electively terminated on their parents' own request. Two infants died shortly after birth. Seven infants were successfully treated. When level I ultrasound examination demonstrates a fetal abdominal wall defect, a detailed level II ultrasound examination is recommended to exclude associated malformations. In case of omphalocele, prenatal chromosome analysis is indicated. Delivery in a tertiary care center is recommended. A randomized prospective trial is needed to see whether cesarean section or vaginal delivery is the preferred mode of delivery for these infants.
authors.affiliation: Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Free University Hospital, Amsterdam, The Netherlands.
authors.forename: E J
authors.initials: EJ
authors.lastname: van de Geijn
authors.forename: J M
authors.initials: JM
authors.lastname: van Vugt
authors.forename: J E
authors.initials: JE
authors.lastname: Sollie
authors.forename: H P
authors.initials: HP
authors.lastname: van Geijn
mesh_terms: D000009:Abdominal Muscles / Q000002:abnormalities* / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000196:embryology; D000652:Amniotic Band Syndrome / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D005260:Female; D005315:Fetal Diseases / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging* / Q000628:therapy*; D006554:Hernia, Umbilical / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D006801:Humans; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D011247:Pregnancy; D016216:Ultrasonography, Prenatal