Neurodevelopmental outcomes of infants with esophageal atresia and tracheoesophageal fistula

Background

Esophageal atresia with or without tracheoesophageal fistula (EA/TEF) is a complex disorder, and most outcome data are confined to mortality and feeding-related morbidities. Our objective was to examine mortality, growth and neurodevelopmental outcomes in a large recent cohort of infants with EA/TEF.

Methods

Single center study of EA/TEF infants referred from January 2000 to December 2015. Data collected included associated defects, neonatal morbidity and mortality and growth and neurodevelopmental outcomes at age 12–36 months. Multiple regression analysis was used to determine variables associated with adverse outcome.

Results

Of the 253 infants identified, 102 infants (40%) were preterm. Overall mortality was 8.3%, the majority from major cardiac malformations (p < 0.001) Neurodevelopmental assessments (n = 182) showed that 76% were within normal, while some delay was seen in 24%, most often in expressive and receptive language. Nine infants had hearing impairment and 5 had visual impairment. Gastrostomy tubes were required in 47 patients and 15% continued to have weight growth velocities less than the 10th centile. A number of specialist interventions were required, Speech/Language being frequent.

Conclusion

Mortality in EA/TEF is primarily related to concomitant anomalies, especially cardiac. Multidisciplinary follow up is important for early identification and intervention for growth failure and developmental delay.

Type of study

Retrospective study

Level of evidence

Level II