1991 Volume 43 Issue 6 Pages 604-609
We report findings in eight cases of omphalocele encountered at Kyoto University Hospital during the period from January 1983 to January 1991. The average maternal age was 26 years (range, 18-38years), 2 were nulliparous, and 6 women were multiparous. The gestational age at time of delivery averaged 37 weeks (range, 35-39 weeks). The average infant weight at birth was 2636g (range, 1934-3380g). There were 5 cesarean sections and 3 vaginal deliveries. Associated congenital anomalies were recognized in 4 cases. Six of the neonate are still alive, one has died, and one died in uterus. The two infants who died also had severe congenital anomalies. The poor prognosis for neonates with omphalocele appears to be related to the severity of associated congenital anomalies and chromosomal anomalies. On the other hand, neither whether the sac is ruptured nor the diameter of the defect is a useful prognostic indicator. Bowel-wall thikening with ruptured omphalocele requires careful attention.
