Etiology
The etiology of gastroschisis is uncertain, but it has been reported to be of nongenetic origin.[8] Four hypotheses for the etiology of the defect have been proposed. The first is that gastroschisis may result from a vascular disruption of the right lateral fold allowing the abdominal contents to herniate outside the abdominal cavity.[2] The second is that the defect results from occlusion of the omphalomesenteric artery in utero. This occlusion may weaken the abdominal wall causing it to rupture.[4] The third hypothesis is that premature atrophy or abnormal persistence of the right umbilical vein leads to mesenchymal damage and failure of the epidermis to differentiate.[9] This damage or differentiation failure results in a defect of the abdominal wall. The fourth and last hypothesis is that a gastroschisis defect may be the end result of an intrauterine rupture of a small omphalocele with the absorption of the sac.[7]
NAINR. 2003;3(2) © 2003 W.B. Saunders
Cite this: Management of the Infant With Gastroschisis: A Comprehensive Review of the Literature - Medscape - Jun 01, 2003.
Comments