Secular rates and correlates for gastroschisis in California (1968-1977).

This study reports on an epidemiological investigation of gastroschisis using birth certificate data from California for the period of 1968-1977. Gastroschisis has been reported to be on the increase in a number of countries. The distribution of the 166 California gastroschisis cases reported during this time period indicated a clear upward secular trend (P less than .001) with the rate per 1,000 increasing from .006 in 1968 to .089 by 1977. This secular trend was observed in every maternal age group and for gravidity level 1. Gastroschisis also occurred more frequently among younger mothers (P less than .001) and low gravidity mothers (P less than .001). Omphalocele, another eventration defect, was also examined but did not display an upward secular trend.