Gastroschisis with intestinal atresia leads to longer hospitalization and poor feeding outcomes

Objective Compare in-hospital outcomes in gastroschisis with intestinal atresia versus simple gastroschisis (GS) using a national database. Study design The Children’s Hospitals Neonatal Database identified infants with gastroschisis from 2010 to 2016. Results 2078 patients with gastroschisis were included: 183 (8.8%) with co-existing intestinal atresia, 1713 (82.4%) with simple gastroschisis, the remainder with complex gastroschisis without atresia. Length of hospitalization was longer for those with atresia, and yielded higher rates of mortality, medical NEC, and intestinal perforation. They began enteral feedings later, were less likely to initiate feeds orally, and reached full feedings later. They were less likely to be receiving any maternal breast milk or breastfeeding at discharge and more likely than simple gastroschisis to be discharged with a feeding tube. Conclusion A large multicenter cohort showed gastroschisis with atresia results in worse outcomes and complications, including necrotizing enterocolitis, feeding delays, and enteral feeding tube dependence.