title: The role of preformed silos in the management of infants with gastroschisis: a systematic review and meta-analysis.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  The pre-formed silo (PFS) is increasingly used in the management of gastroschisis, but its benefits remain unclear. We performed a systematic review and meta-analysis of the literature comparing use of a PFS with alternate treatment strategies.
  
  
  METHODS
  Studies comparing the use of a PFS with alternate strategies were identified and data extracted. The primary outcome measure was length of time on a ventilator. Mean difference (MD) between continuous variables and 95% confidence intervals were calculated. Risk difference and 95% CI were determined for dichotomous data.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Eighteen studies, including one randomised controlled trial, were included. Treatment strategy and outcome measures reported varied widely. Meta-analysis demonstrated no difference in days of ventilation, but a longer duration of parenteral nutrition (PN) requirement [MD 6.4 days (1.3, 11.5); p = 0.01] in infants who received a PFS. Subgroup analysis of studies reporting routine use of a PFS for all infants demonstrated a significantly shorter duration of ventilation with a PFS [MD 2.2 days (0.5, 3.9); p = 0.01] but no difference in duration of PN requirement. Other outcomes were similar between groups.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The quality of evidence comparing PFS with alternate treatment strategies for gastroschisis is poor. Only routine use of PFS is associated with fewer days on a ventilator compared with other strategies. No strong evidence to support a preference for any strategy was demonstrated. Prospective studies are required to investigate the optimum management of gastroschisis. Standardised outcome measures for this population should be established to allow comparison of studies.
authors.affiliation: Department of Paediatric Surgery, Great Ormond Street Hospital, London, UK.
authors.forename: Andrew R
authors.initials: AR
authors.lastname: Ross
authors.forename: Simon
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Eaton
authors.forename: Augusto
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Zani
authors.forename: Niyi
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Ade-Ajayi
authors.forename: Agostino
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Pierro
authors.forename: Nigel J
authors.initials: NJ
authors.lastname: Hall
mesh_terms: D020139:Gastroschisis / Q000601:surgery*; D006801:Humans; D007223:Infant; D007902:Length of Stay / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D010288:Parenteral Nutrition / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D012121:Respiration, Artificial / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D016896:Treatment Outcome