Background: Intestinal thickening in gastroschisis results from prolon
ged exposure to amniotic fluid (AF). Experimental AF exchange has been
shown to prevent intestinal thickening in gastroschisis. Case: A 25-y
ear-old primigravida was referred at 24 weeks' gestation with a prenat
al diagnosis of gastroschisis. Transabdominal AF exchange was performe
d at 29 weeks. This pretreatment did not cause any complications and p
revented intestinal thickening in our patient. Thus, we were able to p
erform primary fascial closure with an intra-abdominal pressure less t
han 5 mmHg. We began feeding the infant on the 5th day and discharged
her on the 8th day. Conclusion: Evidence obtained from this initial ca
se seems promising for the further application of the AF exchange for
prevention of intestinal thickening in gastroschisis. (C) 1998 by The
American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists.