Morphology and mucosal biochemistry of gastroschisis intestine in urine-free amniotic fluid.

Background/purpose: The aim of this study was to determine the role of urine exposure in gastroschisis on the pathologic and biochemical aspects.

Methods: The intestines of fetal rabbits with gastroschisis (group G), gastroschisis and urethral ligation (group GL), and normal controls (group C) were studied by measuring weigh and length, intestinal diameter and wall thickness, and thickness of each intestinal layer. Number and length of villi and villi edema were evaluated.