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[Esophageal atresia and associated malformations]
M E Hübner1, J Nazer, L Cifuentes
1Departamento de Obstetricia y Ginecología, Hospital Clínico Universidad de Chile.
Insights
Newborns with esophageal atresia and tracheoesophageal fistula (TEF) have improved survival rates. This study assessed TEF prevalence and associated conditions in Chilean newborns, finding a rate of 3.53 per 10,000 live births.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Surgery
- Neonatology
- Medical Genetics
Background:
- Survival rates for newborns with esophageal atresia and tracheoesophageal fistula (TEF) have significantly improved.
- Esophageal atresia and TEF are congenital conditions requiring specialized neonatal care.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the prevalence of esophageal atresia in Chilean newborns.
- To describe the types and frequency of malformations associated with esophageal atresia in this population.
Main Methods:
- A retrospective study of births between January 1983 and June 1998 in Chile.
- Inclusion of all registered malformed children and a control group of non-malformed newborns.
- Data collection on birth outcomes, associated anomalies, and survival rates.
Main Results:
- The prevalence of esophageal atresia was 3.53 per 10,000 live births, with 18 cases identified (3 stillborn).
- Overall survival was 73%, with higher survival rates in less severe cases (Waterson groups A and B).
- Seventy-two percent of affected infants had associated malformations, including congenital heart defects and skeletal anomalies; VACTERL association was noted in 44%.
Conclusions:
- The observed prevalence of esophageal atresia in Chile aligns with previous reports from the Latin American Collaborative Study of Congenital Malformations (ECLAMC).
- Associated malformations significantly impact survival outcomes in infants with esophageal atresia.
Background:
Survival of newborns with esophageal atresia and tracheoesophageal fistula has increased in the last years.
Aim:
To assess the prevalence of esophageal atresia and describe associated malformations in Chilean newborns.
Material And Methods:
All births occurring between January 1983 and June 1998 were studied. All malformed children were registered and the next non malformed born child was considered as control.
Results:
During the study period, 50,965 births occurred and 3,336 malformed children were born. Eighteen (3 stillborn) had esophageal atresia with a rate of 3,53 per 10,000 born alive. Overall survival was 73%. Survival among children classified in Waterson groups A and B was 100% and 50% among those classified in group C. Seventy two percent had associated malformations, being congenital cardiopathies and skeletal malformations the most frequent. VACTERL association was found in 44% of children. All stillborn children had other severe malformations. When compared to controls, malformed children had a lower weight, a lower gestational age, their mothers had a higher age, a higher frequency of relatives with malformations and a higher frequency of maternal diseases during the first trimester of pregnancy.
Conclusions:
The rate of esophageal atresia found in this study is similar to that reported in other Chilean obstetrical units as part of the Latin American Study of Congenital Malformations (ECLAMC).