Aminiotic fluid and intrauterine growth restriction in a gastroschisis fetal rat model.

Fetuses with digestive anomalies such as gastroschisis may present intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR) and shortened intestines.

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this study was to assess the influence caused by amniotic fluid (AF) in intestinal length and somatic growth in an experimental gastroschisis fetal model at two distinct gestational ages.

METHODS

Fetal rats were operated according to Correia-Pinto on 2 different days of gestation: day 18.5 (group I) and day 19.5 (group II). Each group was divided into three sub-groups: fetuses with gastroschisis (G), control (C) and sham(S). Body measurements and histological analysis were done.

RESULTS

Body measurement analysis showed: average body weight (g) in group I was G = 5.32, C = 5.68, S = 5.86; group II was G = 5.32, C = 5.80, S = 5.66. Average intestine weight (g) in group I was G = 0.283, C = 0.238, S = 0.231; group II was G = 0.272, C = 0.231, S = 0.233. Average intestine length (mm) in group I was G = 125, C = 216, S = 209; group II was G = 148, C = 226, S = 226. Histological analysis showed a decrease in the number and size of the intestinal microvillae and a light edema of serosa.

CONCLUSIONS

Gastroschisis had a direct correlation with IUGR and the time of exposure of the fetuses to AF had no influence on body weight in gastroschisis fetuses but did interfere with intestinal length.