Local health investigation sheds light on gastroschisis birth defect

University of Nevada, Reno researcher collaborates with local health community to look for answers to elevated incidence rate

Results of an investigation conducted by University of Nevada, Reno researchers, public health officials and area physicians published this week in the Archives of Pediatrics & Adolescent Medicine, indicate that Washoe County experienced a cluster of a particular birth defect, gastroschisis, during the period April 2007 – April 2008. Subsequent review of medical records since the study's conclusion indicates that while the rate is still elevated, the cluster appears to have subsided.

Gastroschisis is a birth defect that occurs early in pregnancy, characterized by incomplete closure of the baby's abdominal wall. It is most common in births by young women, age 21 or younger. Babies with this birth defect are born with part of their intestines outside their bodies, which necessitates repair of the abdominal wall in the first week of life.

The investigation concluded that a baby born in Washoe County during the one-year period of April 2007 to April 2008 was 10 times more likely to have gastroschisis than a baby born in any of the years from 1991 to 2005. There were 14 gastroschisis births in Washoe County during the one-year study period, and only 16 gastroschisis births in the County during the 15-year period of 1991 to 2005. Since April 2008, there have been five gastroschisis births in the County.

"While this is one of the largest documented gastroschisis clusters that I have found, and it is still a concern that requires further investigation, we are pleased the cluster seems to have subsided," said Leslie Elliott, assistant professor of epidemiology at the University of Nevada, Reno School of Community Health Sciences and principal investigator of the study. "And, most importantly, because mothers sought prenatal care, our excellent physicians in the community were able to diagnose the condition during pregnancy, and then plan for and provide the immediate care required at birth to correct it."

This study added significant support to the findings of other studies that certain infections, such as colds and sore throats; use of cold medications, such as pseudoephedrine; and some recreational drugs, may be contributing factors in the development of gastroschisis.