[Integrating the environmental clinic history into prenatal counseling and health care in gastroschisis: 2 case reports].

INTRODUCTION

Gastroschisis is a malformation with an unknown aetiology, likely involving genetic and environmental risk factors (RF). The aim of this paper is to develop the paediatric environmental clinical history (PECH) of two patients with gastroschisis.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Review of the medical literature using Pubmed and the Developmental and Reproductive Toxicology Database. Search teratogenic substances using the Hazardous Substances Data Bank. Keywords used were: "Gastroschisis" and "Gastroschisis and Risk Factor".

RESULTS

Among the RFs known and present in both cases were: short cohabitation, unintended pregnancies of relatively young mothers, recent change of paternity, excessive alcohol intake, important nutritional deficiencies, and active and passive smoking. Additionally, one of the cases was exposed to cocaine, cannabis smoke and ionizing radiation from an orthopantography during pregnancy.

CONCLUSIONS

1. The PECH should be obtained in all patients with gastroschisis. 2. A thorough PECH requires a proper review of the related RFs and basic training to characterise and quantify environmental exposures. 3. Following these steps, useful recommendations to improve patient care and family advice in future pregnancies are provided.