Epidemiology

The reported incidence of gastroschisis is 1-6 in 10,000 live births.[1][2] Gastroschisis occurs more commonly in infants of young mothers, with a 10- to 16-fold higher incidence in children born to women aged younger than 20 years compared with children born to women aged 25-29 years, and it is slightly more frequent in male infants.[3][4] Some studies suggest the incidence of gastroschisis is increasing worldwide with the use of vasoconstrictive medications.[5][6]

Small omphaloceles occur in 1 in 5000 live births, while large omphaloceles are less common, occurring in 1 in 10,000 live births.[7] The frequency of omphalocele is the same in the US and Europe.[8] In contrast to gastroschisis, omphalocele occurs more often in older mothers, aged >40 years.[9][10]

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