An association of gastroschisis and fatal respiratory distress: does prenatal bile aspiration cause early-onset respiratory failure in neonates?

We present a neonate with gastroschisis and evidence of bile aspiration in utero, who developed severe respiratory distress that did not respond to postnatal intensive respiratory care. Although rare, a newborn with gastroschisis may develop severe respiratory distress due to bile aspiration in utero. Given the poor outcome in this case, we suggest a possible role for prenatal diagnosis and therapy.