The prevalence of preterm births in pregnancies complicated with fetal gastroschisis.

OBJECTIVE

The purpose of this study was to determine the prevalence of preterm births in pregnancies complicated by fetal gastroschisis in our tertiary referral center.

METHODS

We conducted a retrospective review of medical records of patients with fetal gastroschisis delivered at our institution between January 2004 and April 2012.

RESULTS

A total of 63 patients met the study criteria. Of these, 32 (51 %) were delivered before 37 0/7 weeks of gestation. The mean estimated gestational age at delivery was 35 4/7 ± 1 week (range 32 6/7-36 6/7) weeks. Spontaneous preterm delivery occurred in 27 patients (43 %). The remaining 31 patients (49 %) delivered between 37 0/7 and 39 2/7 weeks of gestation.

CONCLUSION

The majority of patients with fetal gastroschisis were delivered before 37 weeks of gestation with a significant proportion delivering due to spontaneous onset of preterm labor. In addition to antepartum surveillance for fetal well-being, monitoring patients for symptoms and signs of preterm labor is recommended.