Use of bedside abdominal ultrasound to confirm intestinal motility in neonates with gastroschisis: A feasibility study

Background Optimal timing to begin feeds in neonates with gastroschisis remains unclear. We examined if bedside abdominal ultrasound for intestinal motility is a feasible tool to detect return of bowel function in neonates with gastroschisis. Methods Neonates born with uncomplicated gastroschisis who underwent closure received daily ultrasound exams. Full motility was defined as peristalsis seen in all quadrants. Average length of time between abdominal wall closure and start of enteral feeds, full ultrasound motility, and clinical characteristics was compared using Student's t-tests. Results Seventeen patients were enrolled. No differences were found between motility on ultrasound and bowel movements, gastric residuals, or nonbilious residuals. Mean time to enteral feeds (11.82 days) was significantly delayed compared to documentation of full motility on ultrasound (8.94 days; p = 0.012), consistent bowel movements (8.41 days; p = 0.006), low gastric residuals (9.47 days; p < 0.001), and nonbilious residuals (9.18 days; p < 0.001). In the single subject in which feeds were started before full motility was seen on ultrasound, feeds were subsequently discontinued because of emesis. Conclusion Bedside abdominal ultrasound provides real-time evidence regarding intestinal motility and is a feasible tool to detect return of bowel function in neonates with gastroschisis. Future studies are needed to determine if abdominal ultrasound can shorten time to start of enteral feeds. Level of evidence III (diagnosis: nonconsecutive study).