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Screening practices and associated anomalies in infants with anorectal malformations: Results from the Midwest
Peter C Minneci1, Rashmi S Kabre2, Grace Z Mak3
1Department of Pediatric Surgery and the Research Institute, Nationwide Children's Hospital, Columbus, OH.
Insights
Screening for anomalies in infants with anorectal malformations (ARM) is crucial, as the rate of associated anomalies is high across all subtypes. Standardized screening practices are recommended for all ARM patients.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Surgery
- Medical Genetics
- Neonatal Care
Background:
- Anorectal malformations (ARM) are congenital conditions requiring surgical intervention.
- Associated anomalies frequently occur in infants diagnosed with ARM.
- Current screening practices for these anomalies vary significantly.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate current screening practices for associated anomalies in infants with ARM.
- To determine the incidence of various anomalies based on ARM subtypes.
- To assess the effectiveness of screening protocols in identifying comorbidities.
Main Methods:
- A multi-institutional retrospective cohort study was conducted.
- Data from 506 infants undergoing surgery for ARM between 2007-2011 were analyzed.
- Screening studies and ARM classifications were reviewed.
Main Results:
- The most common ARM subtypes included perineal fistula (40.7%).
- Screening tests were performed in 96.6% of patients, with 11.3% undergoing comprehensive screening.
- High rates of anomalies were detected across screening categories, including spinal (tethered cord), vertebral (sacral dysplasia), cardiac (patent foramen ovale), renal (hydronephrosis), and limb (absent radius).
Conclusions:
- Screening practices and anomaly incidence are significantly associated with ARM subtype.
- A high proportion of ARM patients present with at least one associated anomaly.
- Routine screening for associated anomalies should be integrated into the standard care for all infants with ARM.
Background:
This study evaluates screening practices and the incidence of associated anomalies in infants with anorectal malformations (ARM).
Methods:
We performed a multi-institutional retrospective cohort study of children born between 2007 and 2011 who underwent surgery for ARM at 10 children's hospitals. ARM type was classified based on the location of the distal rectum, and all screening studies were reviewed.
Results:
Among 506 patients, the most common ARM subtypes were perineal fistula (40.7%), no fistula (11.5%), and vestibular fistula (10.1%). At least 1 screening test was performed in 96.6% of patients, and 11.3% of patients underwent all. The proportion of patients with ≥1 abnormal finding on any screening test varied by type of ARM (p<0.001). Screening rates varied from 15.2% for limb anomalies to 89.7% for renal anomalies. The most commonly identified anomalies by screening category were: spinal: tethered cord (20.6%); vertebral: sacral dysplasia/hemisacrum (17.8%); cardiac: patent foramen ovale (58.0%); renal: hydronephrosis (22.7%); limb: absent radius (7.9%).
Conclusion:
Screening practices and the incidence of associated anomalies varied by type of ARM. The rate of identifying at least one associated anomaly was high across all ARM subtypes. Screening for associated anomalies should be considered standard of care for all ARM patients.
Type Of Study:
Multi-institutional retrospective cohort study.
Level Of Evidence:
III.
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