Summary about Disease
Omphalocele is a birth defect where the infant's intestines, liver, or other organs stick outside of the abdomen through the belly button. The organs are covered in a thin, transparent sac.
Symptoms
The primary symptom is the presence of a visible sac containing abdominal organs protruding from the base of the umbilical cord. The size of the omphalocele can vary, containing only intestines in small omphaloceles or most of the abdominal organs including the liver in larger ones.
Causes
Omphalocele occurs during fetal development when the abdominal muscles don't close completely. The exact cause is unknown, but it is thought to be related to genetic factors, chromosomal abnormalities (such as Trisomy 13 or 18), and possibly environmental factors.
Medicine Used
There is no medicine to correct Omphalocele. Treatment involves surgery to repair the defect. Before surgery, the exposed organs are typically protected with special dressings. Broad-spectrum antibiotics are often administered to prevent infection. In some cases, where the omphalocele is very large, a staged repair process is used where the organs are gradually pushed back into the abdomen over time, sometimes assisted by painting the sac with antiseptic solutions to promote eschar formation.
Is Communicable
No, omphalocele is not a communicable disease. It is a birth defect, not an infection.
Precautions
Omphalocele is not preventable. During pregnancy, regular prenatal care, including genetic screening and ultrasound examinations, can help detect the condition prenatally. After birth, precautions involve careful handling of the infant to avoid damaging the sac, preventing infection, and close monitoring by medical professionals.
How long does an outbreak last?
Omphalocele is not an "outbreak" but a congenital condition present at birth. The duration of treatment depends on the size and complexity of the omphalocele and the chosen method of repair.
How is it diagnosed?
Omphalocele can often be diagnosed during prenatal ultrasound examinations, typically during the second trimester. After birth, the diagnosis is made by visual examination. Genetic testing may be performed to look for associated chromosomal abnormalities.
Timeline of Symptoms
The primary "symptom" (the protruding sac) is present at birth. There is no timeline of symptom development, as it is a congenital condition that is immediately apparent.
Important Considerations
Omphalocele can be associated with other birth defects, including heart defects, neural tube defects, and chromosomal abnormalities. Treatment and prognosis depend on the size of the omphalocele, the presence of other anomalies, and the overall health of the infant. Long-term monitoring and follow-up care are often necessary to address potential complications.