Title: Gastroschisis Awareness Day: Spreading Knowledge & Hope
Gastroschisis Awareness Day is observed annually on July 30 to spread awareness about this rare birth defect. At IRA Gastro Centre, Meerpet, Hyderabad, we are committed to educating parents and the medical community about gastroschisis, its causes, treatments, and the importance of early diagnosis.
What is Gastroschisis?
Gastroschisis is a congenital condition in which a baby is born with the intestines protruding through a hole in the abdominal wall. Unlike omphalocele, where the intestines are covered by a sac, gastroschisis leaves them exposed, requiring immediate medical intervention.
Causes and Risk Factors
The exact cause of gastroschisis remains unknown, but certain risk factors include:
Young maternal age (teen pregnancies have a higher incidence)
Poor prenatal nutrition
Environmental factors, including exposure to harmful chemicals
Genetic predisposition (though not always hereditary)
Symptoms and Diagnosis
Gastroschisis is usually detected during a prenatal ultrasound around 18-20 weeks of pregnancy. Common indicators include:
Abnormal abdominal development
Presence of intestines outside the baby’s body
Low amniotic fluid levels (in some cases)
Early diagnosis allows parents to prepare for specialized neonatal surgical care immediately after birth.
Treatment and Surgical Intervention
Newborns with gastroschisis require surgery soon after birth to place the intestines back into the abdominal cavity and close the opening. Depending on the severity, treatment options include:
Primary Repair – When the intestines can be safely placed back in a single surgery.
Staged Repair – If the intestines are swollen, a protective silo is placed over them, allowing gradual repositioning before final closure.
Post-Surgery Care and Recovery
Post-surgery care includes:
IV Nutrition Support: Since the intestines need time to function normally, babies are fed through IV initially.
Gradual Feeding Introduction: Once bowel movements begin, oral feeding is introduced slowly.
NICU Monitoring: Babies may need to stay in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) for weeks or months, depending on recovery progress.
Prognosis and Long-Term Effects
With advancements in neonatal surgery, survival rates for gastroschisis are over 90%. However, some children may experience:
Delayed bowel function
Nutritional deficiencies
Growth concerns requiring long-term pediatric gastroenterology care
The Importance of Awareness
Gastroschisis Awareness Day is crucial to:
Educate parents and healthcare providers on early detection and treatment.
Promote research for better prevention and treatment strategies.
Support families by connecting them with medical experts and patient groups.
How You Can Support Gastroschisis Awareness
Wear green, the official awareness color, on July 30.
Share stories to spread awareness on social media.
Donate to research organizations supporting congenital defect studies.
Encourage prenatal screenings for early detection.
At IRA Gastro Centre, Meerpet, Hyderabad, we emphasize early intervention and expert pediatric care to ensure the best outcomes for babies born with gastroschisis. If you or someone you know requires guidance on congenital conditions, reach out to our expert team.
Contact us today for more information!
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