Spine evaluation in children with anorectal malformations

The value of radiography, ultrasound and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in detecting skeletal and intraspinal pathology was assessed in infants with anorectal malformations, and the need for spinal MRI examination in this group of patients was evaluated. Twenty-one infants were examined with radiography, ultrasound and MRI of the lower spine. The detection of skeletal and intraspinal abnormalities was compared for the three imaging modalities. Fifteen patients were normal in all three examinations. Radiography showed bony skeletal abnormalities in six children, although sometimes very subtle. By ultrasound both bony and cartilaginous malformations were detected in all six patients and by MRI in five patients. Five of the six children with skeletal abnormalities had intraspinal pathology, detected in all cases by ultrasound and MRI. However, the abnormalities were more clearly demonstrated by MRI than by ultrasound. Spinal radiographs must be examined carefully for abnormalities, because they can indicate the presence or absence of intraspinal pathology. Normal radiographic and sonographic appearance of spinal anatomy in children with anorectal malformation makes MRI superfluous, but if radiographs or ultrasound are abnormal, MRI should be used to accurately depict possible intraspinal pathology.

     

神经生长因子及其受体在先天性肛门直肠畸形患儿直肠末端表达的下调

目的 观察神经生长因子(nerve growth factor,NGF)及其受体(TrkA、P75NTR)在先天性肛门直肠畸形(anorectal malformation,ARM)患儿直肠末端的表达,探讨对其肠神经系统发育的影响.方法 收集2011年1月至2013年1月遵义医学院附属医院诊治的ARM患儿直肠末端标本30例.其中,男24例,女6例;高位ARM 15例,中位ARM 6例,低位ARM 9例;手术年龄2 d～13个月,平均1.4个月.一期腹会阴肛门成形8例;分期肛门成形13例,包括:腹腔镜辅助肛门成形7例,腹会阴肛门成形2例,后矢状入路肛门成形术4例,会阴肛门成形9例.肛门成形术中取直肠末端标本,运用苏木素/伊红(HE)染色计数直肠末端黏膜下及肌间神经丛数量,免疫组织化学(IHC)及实时定量聚合酶链反应(qRT-PCR)检测NGF及其受体(TrkA、P75NTR)在低位ARM和中高位ARM患儿直肠末端的表达情况.结果 HE染色:低位ARM患儿直肠末端黏膜下及肌间神经丛分布密集,神经丛面积大,节细胞数量多;中高位ARM患儿神经丛分布明显稀疏,神经丛数量较低位ARM患儿明显减少(1.30±0.82vs5.60±1.36)个,两相比较,差异有统计学意义(P＜0.01).IHC:NGF、TrkA、P75NTR主要在直肠末端黏膜下及肌间神经丛表达,NGF主要定位于胞核,TrkA主要定位于胞核及胞质,P75NTR主要定位于胞核、胞膜.NGF、TrkA、P75NTR在低位ARM患儿直肠黏膜下、肌间神经丛大量表达,其积分光密度(IOD值)分别为43.48±7.11、18.83±3.65和23.39±3.64;NGF、TrkA、P75NTR在中高位ARM患儿直肠末端表达明显减少,其积分光密度(IOD值)分别为3.70±1.21、8.49±2.68和7.17±2.28,两相比较,差异均有统计学意义(P＜0.01).qRT PCR:NGF、TrkA、P75NTR mRNA在低位ARM患儿直肠末端的相对表达量分别为(172.22±104.38、148.78±72.45和122.83±35.45);明显高于中高位ARM患儿(80.38±43.10、73.95±47.43和75.15±20.23),两相比较,差异均有统计学意义(P＜0.01).结论 NGF及其受体TrkA、P75NTR可能参与并影响ARM患儿直肠末端肠神经系统的发育.     

Nonfluoroscopic pressure colostography in the evaluation of genitourinary fistula of anorectal malformations: experience in a resource-poor environment

Background  Radiological imaging is paramount for defining the genitourinary fistulae commonly associated with anorectal malformations prior to definitive surgery. The imaging options are resource-limited in many parts of the world. Nonfluoroscopic pressure colostography after colostomy is a cheap method for the evaluation of anorectal malformations. Objective  To describe our experience with nonfluoroscopic pressure colostography in the evaluation of anorectal malformations in boys. Materials and methods  The study included 12 boys with anorectal malformation who had colostomy and nonfluoroscopic pressure-augmented colostography with water-soluble contrast medium between January 2006 and December 2007. Results  Patient ages ranged from 2 days to 1 year. The types of genitourinary fistula were rectovesical (7.7%) and rectourethral (92.3%). Oblique radiographs were of diagnostic value in all patients. The types of anorectal malformations were high, intermediate and low in 75%, 8.3% and 16.7%, respectively. Short-segment urethral constriction was a common feature of rectourethral fistula (75%, n=9). Conclusion  Our experience has shown that genitourinary fistulae associated with anorectal malformations can be demonstrated reliably by nonfluoroscopic pressure colostography with two oblique radiographs, providing an option in resource-poor settings where fluoroscopic equipment is scarce.     

Postoperative psychological status of children with anorectal malformations

Our purpose was to clarify factors that influence the level of depression of Japanese children with anorectal malformations (ARM). The subjects comprised 66 children with ARM, aged 0–16 years, and their mothers. Patients were divided into three groups (Group 1: aged 0–5 years, Group 2: 6–11 years, and Group 3: 12–16 years). The level of depression of the children aged 6–16 years was investigated by Kovac’s children’s depression inventory (CDI). The psychological status of their mothers was assessed by Spielberger’s state-trait anxiety index (STAI) and Zung’s self-rating depression scale (SDS). The classification of ARM and the clinical condition were also investigated. Defecation scores were assigned for the degree of bowel dysfunction. The level of depression in the patients was more marked in Group 3 than in Group 2 according to the CDI score. Significant correlations between the CDI score of the child and the STAI-1, STAI-2 and SDS scores of the mother were observed in Group 2, but not in Group 3. In Group 2, the STAI-1 score of the mothers was significantly influenced by the degree of bowel dysfunction in her child. In Group 3, the CDI score was significantly correlated with the constipation score. This study revealed that bowel dysfunction is the important factor that influences the level of depression of the children with ARM. In the period of childhood during which the child attends primary school, bowel dysfunction indirectly influences the level of depression of children through the psychological status of mothers. However, bowel dysfunction directly influences the level of depression of children in adolescent patients.     

腹腔镜下肛门成形术治疗直肠肛门畸形的并发症分析

目的 探讨腹腔镜下肛门成形术治疗直肠肛门畸形的并发症的产生原因和应对方法.方法 总结分析本中心2010年1月至2015年12月共腹腔镜手术治疗的直肠肛门畸形92例,全部为男性患儿,其中直肠膀胱颈瘘23例,直肠前列腺球部瘘35例,直肠尿道瘘34例.全部患儿均行横结肠造瘘或乙状结肠造瘘的分期手术.术后平均随访时间2.5年(4个月～5年),统计术后并发症和肛门排便情况,其中31例患儿随访大于3年.结果 术后直肠回缩11例,有1例再次手术缝合,另10例保守治疗.术后直肠黏膜外翻7例,均为早期病例,有4例再次手术切除局部外翻黏膜,有3例游离拖出结肠切除部分后再次肛门成形.腹腔残余感染4例,均经抗感染后好转.在已随访3年以上的31例患儿中术后排便失禁3例,其中有1例患儿由于严重瘢痕狭窄予扩肛治疗,另外有2例患儿伴发脊髓栓系.结论 虽然手术并发症难以完全避免,但注意围术期处理和手术技巧,能减少术后并发症的发生.     

肛门直肠畸形动物模型末端直肠肠壁肠神经系统及突触素的胚胎发育的研究

目的 检测蛋白基因产物(protein gene product 9.5,PGP 9.5)及突触素(synaptophysin,SY)在肛门直肠畸形胎鼠直肠肠壁胚胎发育过程中的分布,探讨其可能与排便功能的关系.方法 应用免疫组化、免疫荧光和Western Blot方法检测正常与肛门直肠畸形动物胎鼠直肠末端组织PGP 9.5、SY的表达情况.结果 正常组末端结肠及直肠壁内有神经节细胞,肠壁肌层及黏膜肌层PGP 9.5、SY大量表达;畸形组胎鼠直肠末端壁内的分布均比对照组明显减少,发育延迟,但随着远离肓端.PGP 9.5、SY出现并逐渐增多.正常胎鼠直肠末端壁内中PGP 9.5、SY总蛋白量明显高于畸形组(P<0.05).结论 肠神经系统及突触素的分布异常是肛门直肠畸形动物模型直肠末端壁的重要病理改变.     

Parenting children with anorectal malformations: implications and experiences

Parents play a crucial role in the life of a child suffering from an anorectal malformation (ARM), since their guidance contributes to the degree to which the child learns to cope with his or her disability. We investigated whether they experience stress in parenting such a child and also attempted to identify somatic or behavioral characteristics in the child that influence the stress of parenting. The parents of 109 children (69 males, 40 females; median age 5.9 years, range 1–18 years) with an ARM (58 low, 10 intermediate, 41 high) were studied. The Nijmegen Questionnaire on Child-rearing Situations (NQCS) was used to investigate the existing parenting situation. Behavioral characteristics of the children were studied by means of the Child Behaviour Checklist (CBCL) and the Teacher Report Form (TRF). In a semi-structured interview, we investigated how parents experienced the implications of the disability in everyday life with their child. Our study showed that as far as the perception of parenting stress is concerned, parents of children with an ARM do not differ from those with healthy primary-school children. Within the group of parents with ARM-afflicted children, the parents of older, incontinent children experienced relatively more stress, especially when the child concerned was male. With regard to the children's behavior, the parents and teachers under investigation did not report a higher than normal incidence of deviant behavior. However, when individual parents observed difficult behavior in their child, they found it harder to deal with than the incontinence for feces. Regarding the implications of the disorder for their everyday lives, parents were concerned and indicated a need for specific counselling. We conclude that having a child with a somatic affliction, in this case an ARM, does not automatically imply that the parents experience child-rearing problems. However, certain groups of parents are more at risk, i.e., parents with older, incontinent sons and parents with children exhibiting behavioral problems. In addition, our study shows that parents do have difficulties in coping with the implications of the disorder and express a need for support. We feel that patient care can be improved if aid is tailored to these specific problems. Accepted: 12 September 1997     

Disease-specific quality of life in children and adults with anorectal malformations

Purpose  

The aim of the present study was to analyze disease-specific quality of life, as assessed by the Hirschsprung Disease/Anorectal Malformation Quality of Life (HAQL) questionnaire, in children and adults with anorectal malformations (ARM).     

Electromyographic studies on the external anal sphincter in children with operated anorectal malformations.

Fecal incontinence is a common problem after surgical repair in patients with anorectal malformations. A normally functioning external anal sphincter (EAS) mechanism is a major factor for continence. The aim of this study was to assess the function of the EAS in children with operated anorectal malformations by electromyography (EMG) and to refine the sphincter function further. The study group consisted of 8 patients with incontinence problems who were operated for anorectal malformations. The electrical activity of EAS was evaluated by EMG using concentric needle electrodes in all subjects. The presence, localization, integrity and activity of the sphincter were assessed. Seven of 8 patients showed electrical activity of the EAS. Sphincter localization was found to be appropriate in six children. Five children showed a well preserved sphincter integrity and 2 of them disclosed normal EMG activity. In cases of localization or integrity abnormalities, secondary corrective surgery was planned, while in patients showing only abnormal EMG activity, biofeedback treatment was given. In cases of fecal incontinence in patients with operated anorectal malformations, electromyographic study shows the type of sphincter abnormality and further helps to make a decision whether to improve the EAS function with conservative treatment or surgically.     

神经生长因子及其受体在肛门直肠畸形动物模型直肠末端的表达及意义

目的 观察肛门直肠畸形(ARM)动物模型直肠末端组织中神经生长因子(NGF)及其受体(NGFR)的表达,探讨ARM排便功能障碍的机制.方法 应用免疫组织化学和RT-PCR检测正常与肛门直肠畸形动物胎鼠直肠末端组织中NGF及其高亲和力受体(TrkA)、低亲和力受体(p75NTR)的表达.结果 NGF、TrkA、p75NTR在正常胎鼠直肠末端肠黏膜皱襞及肌层细胞质及细胞核中有大量表达,其平均光密度(IOD值)分别为731.749±232.177,262.815±101.722,134.674±67.127,而在肛门直肠畸形直肠末端表达较少,其平均光密度(IOD值)分别为17.973±74.945,33.145±11.128,113.010±36.468,两组比较,差异均有统计学意义(P＜0.05);TrkAmRNA、P75NTRmRNA在正常胎鼠直肠末端组织中的相对表达量分别为162.221±104.675,129.778±51.967,在肛门直肠畸形胎鼠中的相对表达量分别为78.973±33.425,87.145±25.812,两组比较,差异有统计学意义(P＜0.05).结论 NGF及其受体TrkA、p75NTR在ARM动物模型直肠末端的表达异常可能是导致其排便功能障碍的原因之一.     

Abnormal anatomy of the lumbosacral region imaged by magnetic resonance in children with anorectal malformations.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the frequency of lumbosacral anomalies, the association with urogenital abnormalities, and the correlation with defaecation pattern by magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). METHODS: A prospective analysis was performed of routine MRI in patients with anorectal malformations. Between 1990 and 1994, MRI was performed in 43 such patients: 31 boys and 12 girls. Twenty four had a high anorectal malformation, 16 had a low anorectal malformation, and three had Currarino''s triad. MRI was performed before reconstruction in 26, and postoperatively in 17. Urogenital anomalies were found in 21. RESULTS: Abnormalities of the spinal cord and spine were found with MRI in 20 patients (46.5%); caudal regression syndrome in 10, tethered cord in two, a combination of both in three, and other spinal anomalies in five. These anomalies were found in 30% of the patients with low anorectal malformations, and in 50% with high anorectal malformations. In patients with urogenital malformations, MRI more often showed spinal anomalies (13/21, 62%) than in patients without (7/22, 32%). In high anorectal malformations, defaecation was more often a problem in patients with spinal anomalies (12/15, 80%) than in patients without (2/8, 25%). CONCLUSIONS: Spinal anomalies in the lumbosacral region were found with MRI in 46.5% of patients with anorectal malformations. Since presence of these anomalies seems to be related to clinical outcome, MRI should be performed routinely in all such patients.     

Psychosocial aspects of follow-up of children operated for intermediate anorectal malformations

Purpose  

To determine the degree of stress in parents of children operated for intermediate anorectal malformations, and their quality of life (QOL) at follow-up.     

Evaluation and treatment for spinal cord tethering in patients with anorectal malformations.

BACKGROUND: It has recently been recognized that there is a close relationship between spinal cord tethering (SCT) and congenital anorectal malformation (ARM). PATIENTS AND METHODS: We evaluated spinal MRI examinations of 28 patients with ARM (14 boys and 14 girls) aged 5 months to 9 years. All patients diagnosed with SCT subsequently underwent operation. Patients were divided into high and low type ARM groups. We reviewed the relationship between SCT and ARM, and evaluated the untethering surgery. RESULTS: We evaluated 14 boys (high, 9; low, 5) and 14 girls (high, 4; low, 10). Of these 28 patients, 13 had SCT on MRI. Five out of 13 patients with high type ARM and 8 out of 15 patients with low type ARM had SCT. Seven out of 10 girls with low type ARM had SCT. Ten of these 13 patients with SCT experienced bowel/urological/orthopedic symptoms. SCT symptoms progressed prior to operation in the 2 patients who underwent untethering surgery a few years after their initial MRI examination. Postoperatively, orthopedic symptoms disappeared completely in all patients, but other symptoms did not. CONCLUSIONS: Based on the results of this study, we recommend routine MRI examination of patients with ARM and early untethering surgery in cases with SCT.     

Neurovesical dysfunction in children after surgery for high or intermediate anorectal malformations

Aim: To evaluate problems with bladder dysfunction in patients operated on for imperforate anus. Methods: All patients (11M, 25F) with high or intermediate imperforate anus seen in this institution between 1987 and 1997 were subjected to the investigation. They had all undergone a posterior sagittal anorectoplasty procedure with the aim of preserving as much as possible of the fistula. Hospital charts were reviewed. A detailed and structured interview regarding micturition habits was performed. If the results of this were abnormal the patients were also subjected to flow registration, measurements of residual urinary volume and in some cases also cystometry. Results: Micturition habits were normal in 30 out of 36 children. The remaining six, considered to have neurovesical dysfunction (NVD), had difficulties in emptying their bladder and exhibited pathological residual volumes. Two were boys with rectourethral fistulae, two were girls with cloacal malformations and two were girls with rectovestibular fistulae. Four out of six children with NVD had sacral anomalies.

Conclusion: NVD may occur even in the absence of sacral anomalies. A 4 h micturition observation is recommended in all newborns with intermediate or high anorectal anomalies to recognize the occurrence of NVD at an early stage.     

腹腔镜辅助治疗中高位肛门直肠畸形疗效评价

目的 探讨腹腔镜辅助治疗中高位肛门直肠畸形的疗效.方法 回顾分析了2002年9月至2009年9月我科采用腹腔镜辅助肛门直肠成形术(LAARP)治疗的中高位肛门直肠畸形患儿34例,其中男27例、女7例.除1例一穴肛息儿和1例直肠尿道球部瘘患儿Ⅰ期行肛门成形术以外,其余患儿均在出生后行结肠造瘘术,腹腔镜主要用于腹部直肠末端的分离、瘘管的处理以及盆底隧道的形成,手术平均年龄为6.3个月.30例患儿术后获得随访,术后随访时间1～7年,平均3.5年,随访1～2年者11例,2～7年的病例19例,对30例患儿手术后并发症以及排便次数、大便控制能力、污便以及便秘的情况进行调查,并应用Kelly评分进行评价.结果 随访时间大于2年的病例中17例患儿获得较为满意的排便功能,其中5例患儿经过排便功能训练已达到完全正常;10例患儿可实现较为满意的排便控制,偶有污便(每1～2周一次),其中2例患儿出现轻度便秘;排便控制较差,经常有污便或失禁者2例.该组患儿经过有效的肠道管理均可以实现满意的社会生活,该组Kelly评分平均为4.32±1.45.随访时间1～2年的病例均有不同程度的污便,8例患儿排便控制能力较差,经常有污便.排便次数增多(大于3～4次);3例患儿排便控制功能较好,偶有污便,排便次数维持在每天I～2次.该组Kelly评分1.91±1.37.结论 腹腔镜治疗肛门直肠畸形疗效满意,并随着术后年龄的增长,排便控制功能显著提高.

Abstract：

Objective To evaluate postoperative anal functions of patients with intermediate or high anorectal malformations who underwent laparoscopic-assisted anorectal pull-through (LAARP).Methods Thirty four patients (27males、7 females) who underwent LAARP in our department between September 2002 and September 2009 were analyzed Initial colostomy in the newborn period was performed in all patients except 1 cloaca and 1 male patient with rectobular fistula. Laparoscope was used for mobilizing the rectum and repairing the fistula. The average age of operation was 6. 3 months (range from 2 to 24 months). Thirty patients were followed up successfully for 1 to 7 years (average 3. 5 years). Nineteen patients were followed up for more than 2 years while the other 11 patients less than 2 years. Complications and anorectal functions are assesed by questionnaires, including the fecal continence, the degree of soiling and the frequency of bowel openings. All patients were evaluated with Kelly score. Results Most of the patients who were followed up for more than 2 years have satisfactory fecal continence except for two cases. The average Kelly score was 4. 32 ± 1. 45. Patients who were followed up for less than 2 years had various degree of soiling. Eight patients had severe fecal incontinence and regular soiling, with bowel movements are more than 5 times per day. Only 3 patients had acceptable fecal continence, with occasional staining. The bowel movement was 1-2 times per day. The average Kelly score was 1. 91 ± 1. 37. Conclusions The procedure of LAARP can produce satisfactory fecal continence. The continence improves with age.     

Esophageal atresia in patients with anorectal malformations

Purpose

The presence of esophageal atresia (EA) in patients with an anorectal malformation (ARM) is well known. The purpose of this work is to find out the most common type of ARM associated to EA and the functional prognostic implication of this association, which has not been described in previous publications.

Methods

We reviewed our database for demographic, functional, and associated anomalies data in our patients with EA and ARM, and then compared them with those of our general series of ARM without esophageal atresia.

Results

Out of 1,995 ARM patients, 167 had a concomitant EA (8.3 %). Prostatic fistula was the most common type of defect in the male EA patients (45.9 %) and cloacas were on the female group (57.9 %). EA patients had worse bowel (47 vs. 67 %) and urinary control (56.6 vs. 79.4 %) when compared to the general series (GS). Functional prognosis was significantly worse in cloacas and in patients subjected to re-operations (p < 0.001). EA patients had a 0.52 average sacral ratio and in the GS was 0.65 (p < 0.001). EA patients had a significantly higher incidence of tethered cord (32.3 vs. 17.6 %), cardiac anomalies (32.3 vs. 22.5 %) including VSD (12.5 vs. 4.5 %), hydronephrosis (36.5 vs. 15.4 %), absent kidney (26.3 vs. 10.5 %), duodenal atresia (7.7 vs. 1.7 %), vertebral anomalies (28.1 vs. 14 %), extremity defects (11.3 vs. 3.1 %), tracheal anomalies (6.5 vs. 0.4 %), and developmental delay (5.9 vs. 1.4 %).

Conclusions

The presence of esophageal atresia in ARM patients has a significant, probably coincidental, impact on bowel and urinary control. This association is also related with worse types of ARM defects and with more severe associated anomalies. This association should increase the awareness on the provider in terms of what to expect on functional prognosis and a throughout search for associated anomalies.     

Abnormal anatomy of the lumbosacral region imaged by magnetic resonance in children with anorectal malformations

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the frequency of lumbosacral anomalies, the association with urogenital abnormalities, and the correlation with defaecation pattern by magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). METHODS: A prospective analysis was performed of routine MRI in patients with anorectal malformations. Between 1990 and 1994, MRI was performed in 43 such patients: 31 boys and 12 girls. Twenty four had a high anorectal malformation, 16 had a low anorectal malformation, and three had Currarino's triad. MRI was performed before reconstruction in 26, and postoperatively in 17. Urogenital anomalies were found in 21. RESULTS: Abnormalities of the spinal cord and spine were found with MRI in 20 patients (46.5%); caudal regression syndrome in 10, tethered cord in two, a combination of both in three, and other spinal anomalies in five. These anomalies were found in 30% of the patients with low anorectal malformations, and in 50% with high anorectal malformations. In patients with urogenital malformations, MRI more often showed spinal anomalies (13/21, 62%) than in patients without (7/22, 32%). In high anorectal malformations, defaecation was more often a problem in patients with spinal anomalies (12/15, 80%) than in patients without (2/8, 25%). CONCLUSIONS: Spinal anomalies in the lumbosacral region were found with MRI in 46.5% of patients with anorectal malformations. Since presence of these anomalies seems to be related to clinical outcome, MRI should be performed routinely in all such patients.     

Colorectal perforations in neonates with anorectal malformations

 Colorectal perforations in neonates with anorectal malformations (ARM) are rarely reported. Two cases, one each with a low and high ARM is presented. Delayed patient presentation and “closed-loop” intestinal obstruction seem to be possible causes of perforation in these cases. Both patients survived following surgical intervention. The pertinent literature is reviewed to emphasize the overall management of such cases. Accepted: 17 December 1999     

肛门直肠畸形胎鼠直肠末端Gli2、BMP4基因的表达

目的探讨乙烯硫脲（ETU）致畸胎鼠直肠末端Gli2、BMP4基因在胎鼠直肠肛门及其畸形发生过程中的表达和作用。方法取妊娠SD大鼠30只,按受孕时间配对分成2组,实验组（n=15）于孕10d灌胃注入10g／LETU （125mg／kg）,对照组n=15）予等量蒸馏水。两组分别于孕13d、14d、15d、16d和17d剖宫取胎鼠直肠末端1cm提取RNA,采用RT—PCR和RealtimePCR法检测Gli2、BMP4基因在直肠肛门发育不同时期的表达情况。结果采用RT-PCR法检测Gli2、BMP4基冈在直肠肛门发育不同时期的表达情况．发现在胎鼠第13～17天,实验组直肠末端Gli2、BMP4mRNA的表达水平均明显低于正常胎鼠直肠末端（P〈0．05）。而Realtime PCR检测Gli2、BMP4mRNA表达时,发现实验组Gli2的表达在胚胎第13天、第14天、第15天分别为（0．73＋0．07、0．60＋0．09、0．81＋0．06）,勺对照组相比显著降低（P〈0．05）,而在孕第16天、第17天实验组Gli2表达比对照组虽有下降,但无统计学意义;实验组BMP4的表达在孕第3～17天均较对照组下降,差异有统计学意义。结论直肠肛门的正常发育需要Shh信号通路的正常表达,Shh信号通路中转录因子Gli2和靶基囚BMP4的异常表达在肛门直肠畸形发生过程中起重要作用,ETU可能影响Shh信号转导通路和肛门直肠畸形发生。