Amniotic fluid ferritin as a marker of intestinal damage in gastroschisis: a time course experimental study

Background/Purpose

Intestinal damage (ID) is closely related to morbidity and mortality in gastroschisis. This study was performed to determine the intraamniotic substances that may correlate ID and also to verify their time course levels that would be useful for determining when ID starts in gastroschisis.

Methods

In this study, 13-day-old fertilized chick eggs were used. The amnioallantoic membrane was perforated to create amnioallantoic cavity in all embryos. Gastroschisis was created in gastroschisis group to simulate human gastroschisis. Amnioallantoic fluid samples were collected from the embryos on the 13th to 19th gestational days, and the intestines of each group were harvested for evaluation. Amnioallantoic levels of interleukin-8, ferritin, alkaline phosphatase, and amylase were measured. Serosal thickness of the intestines in each group was evaluated.

Results

Increasing amnioallantoic fluid levels of interleukin-8, alkaline phosphatase, and amylase were found in both groups. In contrast to control group, ferritin levels, as a sign of inflammation, were found increased only in gastroschisis group. Histopathologic examination of intestines in the gastroschisis group showed a significant increase in the serosal thickness especially after the 16th day.

Conclusion

Increases in amnioallantoic fluid levels of ferritin show promise as a marker for determining ID encountered in gastroschisis but warrant further investigation.