The effect of amnio-allantoic fluid pH on the intestines:: An experimental study in the chick embryo gastroschisis model

Background/Purpose: Prolonged exposure to amniotic fluid causes the intestinal changes such as serosal edema, thickening, fibrous coating, and adhesions in gastroschisis. The effect of amnio-allantoic fluid (AAF) pH on intestines was evaluated using a chick embryo gastroschisis model. Methods: Seventy fertile eggs were divided into 5 groups: preliminary study (PS, n=20), AAF control (AAC, n=10), just gastroschisis (JG, n=10), gastroschisis pretreated with placebo (GPP, n=15), and gastroschisis pretreated with sodium bicarbonate (GPS, n=15). The PS group was also divided into 2 subgroups to determine the biochemical differences between the amniotic and the allantoic fluid. Gastroschisis was created surgically at the 14th day of incubation. In GPS group, 8.4% NaHCO3 solution (0.1 mL/100 mg/d) was instilled into the AAF for 4 days. Results: A significant decrease in intestinal damage was observed both macroscopically and microscopically in the group GPS compared with the JG and GPP groups. Conclusions: Pretreatment with alkalization of AAF prevented intestinal damage because of gastroschisis. Alkalization could be a simple alternative for pretreatment with amniotic fluid exchange for human fetuses with gastroschisis. J Pediatr Surg 36:1341-1345. Copyright (C) 2001 by W.B. Saunders Company.