GASTROSCHISIS: A REVIEW ON PATHOPHYSIOLOGY, DIAGNOSIS, AND TREATMENT

Abstract

Gastroschisis is a congenital malformation characterized by the externalization of abdominal viscera, particularly the intestine, due to a defect in the abdominal wall. Since the 1960s, the prevalence of this condition has significantly increased, rising from 1 in 50,000 births to rates of 1-2 to 4-5 per 10,000 births, depending on the studied population. In Brazil, in 2020, the Oswaldo Cruz Foundation estimated a frequency of 0.6 to 1.8 cases per 10,000 births in the Southeast region. The pathophysiology of gastroschisis is related to ischemia of the abdominal wall during embryonic development, as well as factors such as early estrogenic thrombophilia. Prenatal diagnosis plays a crucial role in identifying the condition, allowing for more effective surgical management and planning for neonatal care. Despite advances in treatment, high mortality rates and associated complications, such as intrauterine growth restriction, remain significant concerns. This article examines gastroschisis in its various facets, including prevalence, pathophysiology, diagnosis, complications, and prognosis, emphasizing the importance of a multidisciplinary approach and the need for ongoing research to improve clinical outcomes.