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Gastroschisis prevalence and co-occurring malformations among Danish live births during 1994-2021: A nationwide register-based study
Journal article   Peer reviewed

Gastroschisis prevalence and co-occurring malformations among Danish live births during 1994-2021: A nationwide register-based study

Ulrik Lausten-Thomsen, Paula L. Hedley, Kristin M. Conway, Katrine M. Løfberg, Lars S. Johansen, Paul A. Romitti and Michael Christiansen
Journal of pediatric surgery, Vol.59(12), 161931
12/2024
DOI: 10.1016/j.jpedsurg.2024.161931
PMID: 39393934

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Abstract

Gastroschisis prevalence has increased for decades with corresponding increases in the need for immediate and follow-up care. Such care can be complicated by presence of co-occurring malformations. This study explores prevalence of gastroschisis and co-occurring malformations among a 28-year cohort of Danish live-born infants. This retrospective cohort study used data from 1,695,992 infants born in Denmark during 1994-2021 and registered in the neonatal screening program. Infants were identified from the Danish Civil Registration System and Danish National Patient Register accessed through the Danish Biobank Register. Data on co-occurring malformations were ascertained to classify infants as syndromic or non-syndromic (either isolated or with co-occurring major malformations) and on selected infant and parental characteristics. Poisson regression models were used to estimate prevalence and corresponding 95% confidence intervals (CIs). Prevalence (per 10,000 live births) of gastroschisis was 1.64 (CI:1.45–1.84). Temporal trend analyses showed a statistically significant annual increase of 2.8% (CI:1.4–3.3). Infants with gastroschisis most often presented as isolated (77.7%; CI:72.3–82.5), followed by those with co-occurring malformations (21.9%; CI:17.2–27.3) or a diagnosed syndrome (0.4%, CI:<0.1–2.0). Among infants with co-occurring malformations, cardiovascular (10.9%; CI: 6.8; 12.2) and intestinal (9.0%; CI:5.9–12.2) malformations were most frequently recorded. Prevalence was higher among infants classified as premature but not influenced by infant sex or parental nativity. Gastroschisis prevalence in Denmark increased during 1994-2021, similar to international reports, without increase in co-occurring malformations. Future work with this cohort will characterize healthcare received, comorbidities, and outcomes across the lifespan. Level III (High-quality prospective cohort study) •What is currently known about this topic? The increasing prevalence of gastroschisis worldwide is well-known. Less well-described are gastroschisis prevalence and co-occurring malformations among live-born infants that may impact healthcare needs.•What new information is contained in the article? Gastroschisis prevalence increased among Danish live births during 1994-2021, accompanied by a moderate, but non-significant decreasing trend in co-occurring malformations. Complications, such as short-bowel-syndrome remained sporadic.
Congenital abnormalities Epidemiological monitoring Gastroschisis Neonatal biobanking Neonatal surgery

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