A multicenter matched-cohort analysis of gastroschisis outcomes in infants born before 32 weeks gestation.

OBJECTIVE

To examine neonatal outcomes of infants with gastroschisis born <32 weeks' gestation compared to matched infants without gastroschisis.

STUDY

DESIGN

Retrospective matched-cohort analysis of infants with gastroschisis born <32 weeks' gestation at Children's Hospitals Neonatal Consortium (CHNC) NICUs from 2010 to 2022 compared to gestational age-matched controls.

RESULTS

The study included 119 infants with gastroschisis and 357 matched infants; 60% of infants born 29-32 weeks, 23% born 26-28 weeks, and 16% born < 25 weeks. Mortality was not significantly different between groups (11% vs. 9%, p = 0.59). Preterm co-morbidities such as IVH, BPD, ROP, and PVL were similar, as were rates of surgical NEC. Infants with gastroschisis had longer hospital stays (92 vs. 67 days), higher CLABSI and UTIs, and were more likely to need feeding support at discharge.

CONCLUSION

Compared to infants without gastroschisis, infants <32 weeks' gestation with gastroschisis had similar risks for inpatient mortality, NEC, and other preterm co-morbidities.