Impact of omphalocele size on associated conditions.

PURPOSE: Omphalocele is often associated with the presence of other congenital anomalies. Case reports have demonstrated nonclassical associations occurring in smaller omphaloceles. The aim of this study was to determine if omphalocele defect size correlates with the type of anomalies found.

METHODS

Patient records at a pediatric hospital were retrospectively reviewed for an 8-year period. Data were collected on patient demographics, omphalocele size, and congenital anomalies identified. Size of the abdominal wall defect was determined by either physical examination or operative record of repair. Patient cohorts were designated as those with small (4 cm and less) or large (greater than 4 cm) omphaloceles.

RESULTS

Fifty-three cases of omphalocele were observed. Twenty-seven cases were classified as small, with 26 classified as large. A predominance of males was noted in the small omphalocele group (78% vs 42%; P = .01). Intestinal anomalies, including Meckel's diverticulum and intestinal atresia, were only seen in patients with small omphaloceles. Most cardiac anomalies were associated with large omphaloceles (34.6% vs 3.7%; P = .01).

CONCLUSION

Small omphalocele size correlates with an increased prevalence of associated gastrointestinal anomalies, a lower prevalence of cardiac anomalies, and a higher predominance of male sex.