Defeitos de parede abdominal fetal

Introduction: Malformations of fetal abdominal wall occur between the fifth and the tenth weeks in pregnancy, and are due to disruptions during the normal sequence of embryo development. They have been diagnosed early in pregnancy using ultrasonography, mostly around twelve weeks. Gastroschisis and omphalocele are the most common defects of fetal abdominal wall. Gastroschisis usually occurs isolated, while omphalocele presents greater incidence as maternal age increases and is generally associated with genetic anomalies. The adecquate assistance for fetuses with abdominal wall defects demands experience of the staff and the knowing of its natural history. Objective: To evaluate the frequency of fetal abdominal wall defects in pregnant women receiving care at the Outpatient Department of Fetal Medicine at CAISM-Unicamp, whose deliveries occurred between 1996 and 2006, and to assess epidemiological data and neonatal outcome. Methods: A retrospective, descriptive study was carried out by reviewing records of patients whose fetuses had abdominal wall defects. Data was later analyzed by setting-up frequency tables. Results: The frequency of fetal abdominal wall defects in the sample of pregnant women studied was 33.3/10,000 deliveries. Omphalocele was diagnosed in 43 cases and gastroschisis in Summary xi 31. In addition, 12 cases of Body Stalk anomaly, 5 of cloacal exstrophy, 6 cases