Congenital Omphalocele and Polyhydramnios: A Study of 52 Cases

Introduction: Unlike gastroschisis, congenital omphalocele is often associated with other anomalies and is frequently complicated by polyhydramnios. We examined the relationships between polyhydramnios, pregnancy outcome and fetal prognosis.Patients and Methods: Clinical data from cases diagnosed antenatally with congenital omphalocele from 1993 to 2006 were analyzed retrospectively. Results: Fifty-two cases were diagnosed antenatally with congenital omphalocele, and 38 of these pregnancies resulted in delivered infants. Of these 38 pregnancies, 55.3% were preterm births before 37 weeks of gestation. The mean birth weight was 2,148 g (n = 38). Associated anomalies were recognized in 29 cases (76.3%), including 13 cases (34.2%) of chromosomal aberrations. There were 2 cases of trisomy 13, 10 cases of trisomy 18 and 1 case of trisomy 21. Polyhydramnios was detected in 14 cases (36.8%), and other anomalies were present in all of these cases. Discussion: For antenatal evaluation in cases of congenital omphalocele, it is important to examine the fetus for associated anomalies or underlying disease, especially when polyhydramnios is detected.