can prenatal sonography predict neonatal outcome?
Department of Maternal Fetal Medicine, Mater Mothers’ Hospital, South Brisbane, Queensland, Australia.OBJECTIVE: Gastroschisis is associated with significant neonatal morbidity, and occasionally mortality. Previous studies looking at ways to prognosticate this condition by antenatal ultrasound have shown conflicting results. The aim of this study was to evaluate the usefulness of prenatal sonographic parameters to predict neonatal outcome of gastroschisis. METHODS: The charts, photographs, and videotapes of all fetuses with gastroschisis who were assessed during pregnancy at the Mater Mothers’ Hospital, Brisbane over an 8.5-year period (Jan 1993-May 2001) were reviewed. Adverse neonatal outcome was defined as death, severe bowel complications (atresia, perforation, necrotic segments), need for multiple bowel operations, or a combination of these. Various sonographic parameters assessed included: gestation at first diagnosis, maximum bowel diameter, maximum bowel wall thickness, presenc
