Is splanchnic perfusion pressure more predictive of outcome than intragastric pressure in neonates with gastroschisis?

Background The purpose of this study is to determine whether calculated splanchnic perfusion pressure (SPP) is more predictive of outcome than measured intragastric pressure (IGP) in patients with gastroschisis. Methods Retrospective chart review from 1997 through 2003 of 12 patients with gastroschisis. Results Eight total patients with gastroschisis underwent reduction and had adequate data for analysis. One patient underwent reduction on day of life (DOL) 6; the remainder underwent reduction on DOL 1. All patients had postreduction IGP <20 mm Hg. The correlation coefficient of IGP and date of extubation was 0.20 and of SPP and date of extubation was −0.51. The correlation coefficient of IGP and return of bowel function was −0.06 and of SPP and return of bowel function was −0.50. Conclusion SPP may be more predictive of outcome than IGP after gastroschisis repair.