VACTERL Association in Neonates Hospitalized with Esophageal Atresia and Imperforate Anus

Abstract

Background: VACTERL association is a congenital abnormality involving several organs. The percentage of involvement of different organs in this illness varies and treatment success depends on the intensity of the accompanied anomalies. This study aimed to investigate the prevalence of VACTERL association in neonates Hospitalized in Be'sat Hospital in Hamadan, Iran. Materials and Methods: This retrospective study was conducted using the descriptive-analytic method and all the neonates who were hospitalized with esophageal atresia and imperforate anus abnormalities in Be'sat Hospital, Hamadan, Iran, from April 2009 to April 2018 were included in the study. Information on the neonates were extracted from the medical records and after being recorded in the checklist, they were analyzed using SPSS v.16 at a 95% confidence level. Results: 127 neonates were included in this study. 42 neonates (33.1%) had esophageal atresia, 78 (61.4%) had imperforate anus, and 7 neonates (5.5%) had both anomalies. 87 of these neonates (68.5%) suffered from congenital heart disease. Atrial septal defect (31%), simultaneous presence of atrial septal defect and patent ductus arteriosus‎ (24%), and patent ductus arteriosus (23%) were the most common congenital heart diseases, respectively. 32 neonates (25.2%) had VACTERL association. Heart, genitourinary, and spinal anomalies were present in 93.2%, 84.3%, and 9.3% of the neonates, respectively. VACTERL association was significantly observed in neonates with imperforate anus (P = 0.001) Conclusion: VACTERL association is common in neonates who suffer from esophageal atresia or imperforate anus. Considering the high prevalence of anomaly of other organs, in addition to complete physical examination, echocardiography, abdominal ultrasound, and radiography of the spine are recommended.