A critical assessment of fluid requirements in gastroschisis.

This report critically evaluates the fluid requirements of 30 infants with gastroschisis. Fluid requirements were unrelated to gestational age, birth weight, or type of repair. Twenty-five percent of the fluid was colloid needed to restore intravascular volume and oncotic pressure, the balance consisting of Ringer's lactate solution. These data support the conclusion that the fluid requirements of the newborn with gastroschisis are significantly increased over those of the normal neonate. This is a reflection of antenatal peritonitis, third space fluid shifts and loss of water and electrolytes during transport to the pediatric surgical center. Recognition of these needs and appropriate replacement should reduce the perioperative morbidity and mortality in these seriously ill neonates.