Oesophageal atresia

[Current Treatment of Oesophageal Atresia]

Oesophageal atresia is a rare congenital malformation occurring in 1 : 3000/1 : 4000 neonates. Surgical correction is always required. Perioperative management concepts depend on the type of malformation. Postoperative results are closely related to postsurgical complications. Interdisciplinary management should extend from prenatal diagnosis, birth and perinatal care to neonatal intensive care and paediatric surgical therapy with specialised pediatric anaesthesia. Other areas that should be available are logopedia, paediatric gastroenterology and paediatric pulmonology. Long-term care should include systematic aftercare and transition programs to adult medicine.

Primary repair of esophageal atresia is followed by multiple diagnostic and surgical procedures

BACKGROUND

Children born with esophageal atresia (EA) face comorbidities and complications often requiring surgery and anesthesia. We aimed to assess all procedures performed under general anesthesia during their first 12 years of life.

METHODS

We performed a retrospective cohort study about subsequent surgeries and procedures requiring general anesthesia in children born with type C EA between January 2007 and December 2017, with follow-up to March 2019.

RESULTS

Of 102 eligible patients, 63 were diagnosed with comorbidities, of whom 18 had VACTERL association. Follow-up time for all patients varied between 14 months and 12 years (median 7 years). The patients underwent total 637 procedures, median 4 [IQR2-7] per patient. In the first year of life, 464 procedures were performed, in the second year 69 and in the third year 29. Thirteen patients underwent no other procedures than primary EA repair. In 57 patients, 228 dilatations were performed. Other frequently performed procedures were esophagoscopy (n=52), urologic procedures (n=44) and abdominal procedures (n=33).

CONCLUSIONS

Patients with EA frequently require multiple anesthetics for a variety of procedures related to the EA, complications and comorbidities. This study can help care providers when counselling parents of a patient with an EA by giving them more insight into possible procedures they can be confronted with during childhood.

Clinical comparison between thoracoscopic and thoracotomy repair of Gross type C esophageal atresia

Background

To compare the clinical outcomes between thoracoscopic approach and thoracotomy surgery in patients with Gross type C Esophageal atresia (EA) and tracheoesophageal fistula (TEF).

Methods

Patients with Gross type C EA/TEF who underwent surgery from January 2007 to January 2020 at Beijing Children’s Hospital were retrospectively analyzed. The patients were divided into two groups according to surgical approaches. The perioperative factors and postoperative complications were compared among the two groups.

Results

One hundred and ninety patients (132 boys and 58 girls) with a median birth weight of 2975 (2600, 3200) g were included. The primary operations were performed via thoracoscopic (n = 62) and thoracotomy (n = 128) approach. After comparison of clinical characteristics between the two groups, we found that there were statistically significant differences in associated anomalies, method of fistula closure, duration of mechanical ventilation after surgery, feeding option before discharge, management of pneumothorax, and prognosis (all P < 0.05). To a certain extent, thoracoscopic surgery reduced the incidence of anastomotic leakage and increased the incidence of anastomotic stricture in this study. However, there were no statistically significant differences between the two groups in terms of operative time, postoperative pneumothorax, anastomotic leakage, anastomotic stricture, and recurrent tracheoesophageal fistula (all P > 0.05).

Conclusions

Thoracoscopy surgery for Gross type C EA/TEF is a safe and effective, minimally invasive technique with comparable operative time and incidence of postoperative complications.

Supplementary Information

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12893-021-01360-7.

Long term digestive outcome of œsophageal atresia

Œsophageal atresia is a rare neonatal malformation consisting in an interruption of the continuity of the œsophagus, with or without a tracheo-œsophageal fistula. Although mortality rate is now low and most cases can benefit from successful surgical repair soon after birth, morbidity -specially digestive and nutritional-remains high. Many of the adults born with œsophageal atresia will suffer from dysphagia, gastro-œsophageal reflux and/or œsophageal dysmotility, leading to nutritional consequences and quality of life impairment. Barrett's œsophagus, potential risk of œsophageal cancer as well as risk of anastomotic stenosis and eosinophilic œsophagitis justify transition to adulthood and a lifelong prolonged follow-up.

Heritability and De Novo Mutations in Oesophageal Atresia and Tracheoesophageal Fistula Aetiology

Tracheoesophageal Fistula (TOF) is a congenital anomaly for which the cause is unknown in the majority of patients. OA/TOF is a variable feature in many (often mono-) genetic syndromes. Research using animal models targeting genes involved in candidate pathways often result in tracheoesophageal phenotypes. However, there is limited overlap in the genes implicated by animal models and those found in OA/TOF-related syndromic anomalies. Knowledge on affected pathways in animal models is accumulating, but our understanding on these pathways in patients lags behind. If an affected pathway is associated with both animals and patients, the mechanisms linking the genetic mutation, affected cell types or cellular defect, and the phenotype are often not well understood. The locus heterogeneity and the uncertainty of the exact heritability of OA/TOF results in a relative low diagnostic yield. OA/TOF is a sporadic finding with a low familial recurrence rate. As parents are usually unaffected, de novo dominant mutations seems to be a plausible explanation. The survival rates of patients born with OA/TOF have increased substantially and these patients start families; thus, the detection and a proper interpretation of these dominant inherited pathogenic variants are of great importance for these patients and for our understanding of OA/TOF aetiology.

The timing of oesophageal dilatations in anastomotic stenosis after one-stage anastomosis for congenital oesophageal atresia

BACKGROUND

In infants with congenital oesophageal atresia, anastomotic stenosis easily occurs after one-stage oesophageal anastomosis, leading to dysphagia. In severe cases, oesophageal dilatation is required. In this paper, the timing of oesophageal dilatation in infants with anastomotic stenosis was investigated through retrospective data analysis.

METHODS

The clinical data of 107 infants with oesophageal atresia who underwent one-stage anastomosis in our hospital from January 2015 to December 2018 were retrospectively analysed. Data such as the timing and frequency of oesophageal dilatation under gastroscopy after surgery were collected to analyse the timing of oesophageal dilatation in infants with different risk factors.

RESULTS

For infants with refractory stenosis, the average number of dilatations in the early dilatation group (the first dilatation was performed within 6 months after the surgery) was 5.75 ± 0.5, which was higher than the average of 7.40 ± 1.35 times in the normal dilatation group (the first dilatation was performed 6 months after the surgery), P = 0.038. For the infants with anastomotic fistula and anastomotic stenosis, the number of oesophageal dilatations in the early dilatation group was 2.58 ± 2.02 times, which was less than the 6.38 ± 2.06 times in the normal dilatation group, P = 0.001. For infants with non-anastomotic fistula stenosis, early oesophageal dilatation could not reduce the total number of oesophageal dilatations.

CONCLUSION

Starting to perform oesophageal dilatation within 6 months after one-stage anastomosis for congenital oesophageal atresia can reduce the required number of dilatations in infants with postoperative anastomotic fistula and refractory anastomotic stenosis.

Risk factors for anastomotic complications after one-stage anastomosis for oesophageal atresia

BACKGROUND

Oesophageal atresia is a congenital malformation of the oesophagus and a serious malformation of the digestive system, postoperative complications include acute respiratory failure, pneumonia, anastomotic fistula, anastomotic stenosis, tracheal stenosis, gastroesophageal reflux and eosinophilic oesophagitis, anastomotic fistula is one of the important causes of postoperative death. The objective of this study is to identify the risk factors for anastomotic complications after one-stage anastomosis for oesophageal atresia.

METHODS

A retrospective analysis was performed on the clinical data of 107 children with congenital oesophageal atresia who underwent one-stage anastomosis in our hospital from January 2013 to December 2018. Single-factor and multivariate logistic regression analyses were performed to determine the risk factors for anastomotic fistula and anastomotic stenosis.

RESULTS

A total of 107 children with oesophageal atresia underwent one-stage anastomosis, and the incidence of anastomotic fistula was 26.2%. The probability of anastomotic stenosis in the long term was 52.3%, and the incidence of refractory stenosis (dilation ≥5 times) was 13.1%. Analysis of the clinical count data in the anastomotic fistula group and non-anastomotic fistula group showed that preoperative albumin (F = 4.199, P = 0.043), low birth weight (F = 7.668, P = 0.007) and long gap defects (F = 6.107, P = 0.015) were risk factors for postoperative anastomotic fistula. Further multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that low birth weight (Wald2 = 4.499, P = 0.034, OR = 2.775) and long gap defects (Wald2 = 6.769, P = 0.009, OR = 4.939) were independent risk factors for postoperative anastomotic fistula. Premature delivery (F = 5.338, P = 0.023), anastomotic fistula (F = 11.381, P = 0.001), endoscopic surgery (F = 6.343, P = 0.013), preoperative neutrophil count (F = 8.602, P = 0.004), preoperative low albumin (F = 8.410, P = 0.005), and a preoperative prognostic nutritional index < 54 (F = 5.54, P = 0.02) were risk factors for refractory anastomotic stenosis in children. Further multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that postoperative anastomotic fistula (Wald2 = 11.417, P = 0.001, OR = 8.798), endoscopic surgery (Wald2 = 9.633, P = 0.002, OR = 4.808), and a prognostic nutritional index < 54 (Wald2 = 4.540, P = 0.002, OR = 2.3798) were independent risk factors for refractory anastomotic stenosis.

CONCLUSION

Low birth weight and long gap defects are important predictors of postoperative anastomotic fistula, and the possibility of refractory anastomotic stenosis should be considered. The long-term risk of anastomotic stenosis was increased in children undergoing endoscopic surgery and in those with a preoperative prognostic nutritional index < 54.

ERNICA Consensus Conference on the Management of Patients with Long-Gap Esophageal Atresia: Perioperative, Surgical, and Long-Term Management

INTRODUCTION

 Evidence supporting best practice for long-gap esophageal atresia is limited. The European Reference Network for Rare Inherited Congenital Anomalies (ERNICA) organized a consensus conference on the management of patients with long-gap esophageal atresia based on expert opinion referring to the latest literature aiming to provide clear and uniform statements in this respect.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

 Twenty-four ERNICA representatives from nine European countries participated. The conference was prepared by item generation, item prioritization by online survey, formulation of a final list containing items on perioperative, surgical, and long-term management, and literature review. The 2-day conference was held in Berlin in November 2019. Anonymous voting was conducted via an internet-based system using a 1 to 9 scale. Consensus was defined as ≥75% of those voting scoring 6 to 9.

RESULTS

 Ninety-seven items were generated. Complete consensus (100%) was achieved on 56 items (58%), e.g., avoidance of a cervical esophagostomy, promotion of sham feeding, details of delayed anastomosis, thoracoscopic pouch mobilization and placement of traction sutures as novel technique, replacement techniques, and follow-up. Consensus ≥75% was achieved on 90 items (93%), e.g., definition of long gap, routine pyloroplasty in gastric transposition, and avoidance of preoperative bougienage to enable delayed anastomosis. Nineteen items (20%), e.g., methods of gap measurement were discussed controversially (range 1-9).

CONCLUSION

 This is the first consensus conference on the perioperative, surgical, and long-term management of patients with long-gap esophageal atresia. Substantial statements regarding esophageal reconstruction or replacement and follow-up were formulated which may contribute to improve patient care.

Neurodevelopmental outcome in infants with esophageal atresia: risk factors in the first year of life

Data on neurodevelopmental outcomes of infants born with esophageal atresia (EA) are still scarce and controversial. The aims of our study were to evaluate motor and cognitive development during the first year of life, in patients operated on of EA and to investigate potential risk factors for motor and cognitive development both at 6 and 12 months. This is an observational prospective longitudinal study in a selected cohort of type C and D EA infants enrolled in our follow-up program from 2009 to 2017. In order to exclude possible confounding factors, the following exclusion criteria were applied: (i) gestational age ≤ 32 weeks and/or birth weight ≤ 1500 g; (ii) genetic syndrome or chromosomal anomaly known to be associated with neurodevelopmental delay; (iii) neurologic disease; (iv) esophageal gap ≥three vertebral bodies. Patients were evaluated at 6 and 12 months of life (corrected age for infants with a gestational age of 32-37 weeks) with the Bayley Scales of Infant and Toddler Development-3rd Edition. In our selected cohort of EA infants, 82 were evaluated at 6 months and 59 were reevaluated at 12 months. Both Motor and Cognitive average scores were within the norm at both time points. However, we report increased number of infants with motor delay with time: 14% at 6 months and 24% at 12 months. Multiple regression analysis for Motor scores at 6 [F(4,74) = 4.363, P = 0.003] and 12 months [F(6,50) = 2.634, P = 0.027] identified (i) low birth weight, (ii) longer hospital stay and (iii) weight < fifth percentile at 1 year as risk factors. Interestingly, average Cognitive scores also increased with time from 85.2% at 6 months and 96.6% at 12 months. Multiple regression models explaining variance of Cognitive scores at 6 [F(4, 73) = 2.458, P = 0.053] and 12 months [F(6, 49) = 1.232, P = 0.306] were nonsignificant. Our selected cohort of EA patients shows, on the average, Motor and Cognitive scores within the norm both at 6 and 12 months. Nevertheless, the percentage of infants with Motor scores below the average increases regardless gestational age. None of clinical and sociodemographic variables taken into consideration was able to predict cognitive development both at 6 and 12 months whereas risk factors for Motor development change during the first year of life. Healthcare providers should pay particular attention to patients with low birth weight, longer hospital stays and weight under fifth percentile at 1 year. Future studies should include long-term outcomes to reveal possible catch up in motor development and/or possible findings in Cognitive scores.

Developmental basis of trachea-esophageal birth defects

Trachea-esophageal defects (TEDs), including esophageal atresia (EA), tracheoesophageal fistula (TEF), and laryngeal-tracheoesophageal clefts (LTEC), are a spectrum of life-threatening congenital anomalies in which the trachea and esophagus do not form properly. Up until recently, the developmental basis of these conditions and how the trachea and esophagus arise from a common fetal foregut was poorly understood. However, with significant advances in human genetics, organoids, and animal models, and integrating single cell genomics with high resolution imaging, we are revealing the molecular and cellular mechanisms that orchestrate tracheoesophageal morphogenesis and how disruption in these processes leads to birth defects. Here we review the current understanding of the genetic and developmental basis of TEDs. We suggest future opportunities for integrating developmental mechanisms elucidated from animals and organoids with human genetics and clinical data to gain insight into the genotype-phenotype basis of these heterogeneous birth defects. Finally, we envision how this will enhance diagnosis, improve treatment, and perhaps one day, lead to new tissue replacement therapy.

Esophagus-Like Bronchus: A Noncommunicating Bronchopulmonary Foregut Malformation

We describe a previously unreported bronchopulmonary foregut malformation wherein a segment of a bronchus of the lower lobe of the left lung in a 4-year-old girl was entirely esophageal in structure. No communication was identified between the tracheobronchial tree and the esophagus by radiologic examination or at surgery. The esophagus-like bronchus was associated with an adjacent atretic bronchus and a downstream cavity in the lower lobe of the left lung. The child sought clinical attention because of recurrent pulmonary infections localized to the lower lobe of the lung. We posit that this esophagus-like bronchus is a novel noncommunicating bronchopulmonary foregut malformation.

Evaluation of Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease 1 Year after Esophageal Atresia Repair: Paradigms Lost from a Single Snapshot?

OBJECTIVE

To analyze the findings of both multichannel intraluminal impedance with pH (MII-pH) and endoscopy/histopathology in children with esophageal atresia at age 1 year, according to current recommendations for the evaluation of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) in esophageal atresia.

STUDY DESIGN

We retrospectively reviewed both MII-pH and endoscopy/histopathology performed in 1-year-old children with esophageal atresia who were followed up in accordance with international recommendations. Demographic data and clinical characteristics were also reviewed to investigate factors associated with abnormal GERD investigations.

RESULTS

In our study cohort of 48 children with esophageal atresia, microscopic esophagitis was found in 33 (69%) and pathological esophageal acid exposure on MII-pH was detected in 12 (25%). Among baseline variables, only the presence of long-gap esophageal atresia was associated with abnormal MII-pH. Distal baseline impedance was significantly lower in patients with microscopic esophagitis, and it showed a very good diagnostic performance in predicting histological changes.

CONCLUSIONS

Histological esophagitis is highly prevalent at 1 year after esophageal atresia repair, but our results do not support a definitive causative role of acid-induced GERD. Instead, they support the hypothesis that chronic stasis in the dysmotile esophagus might lead to histological changes. MII-pH may be a helpful tool in selecting patients who need closer endoscopic surveillance and/or benefit from acid suppression.

COVID-19 pandemic experiences of parents caring for children with oesophageal atresia/tracheo-oesophageal fistula

PURPOSE

The COVID-19 pandemic has resulted in a global health crisis of unparalleled magnitude. The direct risk to the health of children is low. However, disease-containment measures have society-wide impacts. This study explored the pandemic experiences of parents of children with oesophageal atresia/tracheo-oesophageal fistula (OA/TOF) in the UK.

DESIGN

A phenomenological approach underpinned use of an asynchronous online forum method, in collaboration with a patient support group. Data were evaluated using thematic analysis.

RESULTS

The online forum ran between 7 November and 18 December 2020 with 109 participants.Pandemic experiences were divided into themes relating to healthcare and disease containment. Participants described positive experiences with remote healthcare but identified limitations. Delays and cancellations led to escalation of care to an emergency level, slower developmental progress and feelings of being abandoned by services. Inpatient care was perceived as safe but caring alone was emotionally and practically challenging. Disease containment themes revealed anxiety regarding health risks, 'collateral' damage to well-being because of isolation, and an impact on finances and employment. Parents described a transition from worry about direct health risks to concern about the impact of isolation on socialisation and development. A process of risk-benefit analysis led some to transition to a more 'normal life', while others continued to isolate. Benefits to their child's health from isolation were reported.

CONCLUSIONS

Parents' experiences of caring for a child with OA/TOF during the pandemic were varied. Rapid adoption of telehealth has demonstrated the enormous potential of remote healthcare delivery but requires refinement to meet the needs of the individual. Future pandemic planning should aim to retain community healthcare services to avoid escalation of care to an emergency, manage chronic and developmental concerns, and support parental well-being. Accurate and consistent disease-specific information is highly valued by parents. Third sector organisations are ideally positioned to support this.

Risk Factors for Recurrent Tracheoesophageal Fistula After Gross Type C Esophageal Atresia Repair

Background: To determine the possible risk factors of recurrent tracheoesophageal fistula (rTEF) after Gross type C esophageal atresia (EA) and tracheoesophageal fistula (TEF) repair. Methods: The medical records of 343 pediatric patients with Gross type C EA/TEF who underwent surgical repair were retrospectively analyzed. The patients were retrospectively divided into two groups according to whether they had rTEF. Univariate and multivariable logistic regression analysis were performed to identify risk factors for rTEF. Results: After the diagnosis of EA/TEF, 343 patients (221 boys) underwent primary repairs after birth. According to the follow-up results (257 patients survived, 42 died, and 43 were lost to follow-up), 259 patients (257 survived and two died after rTEF repair) were included in the analysis. rTEF occurred in 33 patients (33/259, 12.74%), with a median onset time to recurrence of 3.8 (2.2, 8.2) months. Multivariate analysis showed that closing the original TEF with ligation and hospital stay ≥ 28.5 days were significant risk factors of rTEF with OR of 4.083 (1.481, 11.261) and 3.228 (1.431, 7.282). Conclusions: Surgical closure technique of original TEF and the length of initial stay could influence the occurrence of rTEF after Gross type C EA/TEF repair.

Risk Factors and Reasons for Treatment Abandonment for Patients With Esophageal Atresia: A Study From a Tertiary Care Hospital in Beijing, China

Background: This study aims to identify the risk factors and reasons for treatment abandonment for patients with esophageal atresia (EA) in a tertiary care hospital in China. Methods: A retrospective study was conducted on 360 patients with EA admitted to Beijing Children's Hospital between January 1, 2007 and June 1, 2020. Medical records for treatment abandonment and non-treatment abandonment patients were compared. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses were conducted to identify potential risk factors for treatment abandonment. Results: After the diagnosis of EA, parents of 107 patients refused surgical repair and discharged against medical advice, and 253 patients underwent surgical repair. Among these 253 patients, parents of 59 patients abandoned treatment after surgery; 52 patients were discharged in an unstable condition, and parents of seven patients abandoned resuscitation leading to death in the hospital. By comparing clinical characteristics between treatment abandonment before surgery (n = 107) and non-treatment abandonment (n = 253) groups, we found that mother's parity >1, unplanned admission to intensive care unit before surgery, associated anomalies, and Gross type A/B were significant independent risk factors for treatment abandonment before surgery. Furthermore, birth weight <2,545 g, being discharged from neonatal center/intensive care unit and other departments, unplanned admission to intensive care unit after surgery, operative time >133 min, admission before 2016, pneumothorax, and anastomotic leakage were significant independent risk factors for treatment abandonment after surgery. The reasons for treatment abandonment included financial difficulties, multiple malformations with poor prognosis, belief of incurability and concerns about the prognosis of the diseases, postoperative complications, and extensive length of intensive care unit stay. Conclusions: Treatment abandonment of children with EA/TEF is still a common and serious problem in China. This study showed that EA/TEF patients in critical conditions, with associated anomalies, Gross type A/B, and who had occurrence of complications had high-risk for treatment abandonment.

Presence of Gastric Pepsinogen in the Trachea Is Associated with Altered Inflammation and Microbial Composition

Gastroesophageal reflux is a common gastrointestinal issue that can lead to aspiration and contribute to respiratory problems. Little is known about how reflux can alter the respiratory microenvironment. We aimed to determine if the presence of gastric pepsinogen in the trachea was associated with changes in the microbial and inflammatory microenvironment. A pediatric cohort at high risk of reflux aspiration was prospectively recruited, and the tracheal microenvironment was examined. Pepsinogen A3 (PGA3) and cytokines were measured. The microbiome (bacterial and fungal) was profiled using 16S rRNA and internal transcribed spacer 2 (ITS2) amplicon sequencing. Increased bacterial richness and an altered composition driven by an enrichment of Prevotella correlated with high PGA3 levels. Fungal richness increased with PGA3, with higher Candida relative abundances observed in a subset of samples with high PGA3 levels. Source tracking of tracheal microbial taxa against taxa from matched oral and gastric samples revealed a significantly greater contribution of oral than of gastric taxa with higher PGA3 levels. Tracheal cytokines were differentially produced when stratified according to PGA3, with higher levels of interleukin-1 (IL-1)-related cytokines and IL-8 being associated with high PGA3 levels. Network analysis across cytokine and microbiome measures identified relationships between IL-1-related proteins and microbial taxa, with the presence of respiratory issues associated with higher levels of IL-1β, IP-10, and Prevotella In conclusion, PGA3 levels in the trachea are correlated with increases in specific microbial taxa and inflammatory molecules, with an increase in oral microbes with increasing PGA3.

Thoracoscopic surgery for recurrent tracheoesophageal fistula after esophageal atresia repair

We aimed to investigate the safety, feasibility, and outcomes of thoracoscopic surgery for recurrent tracheoesophageal fistula (rTEF) after esophageal atresia repair. The medical records and follow-up data of 31 patients who underwent thoracoscopic surgery for rTEF at a single institution were collected and reviewed. In total, 31 patients were enrolled with a median age of 7 months (range: 3-30 months) and a median weight of 6,000 g (range: 4,000-12,000 g) before reoperation. The median operation time for the entire series was 2.9 hours (range: 1.5-7.5 hours), and the median total hospitalization duration after surgery was 19 days (range: 11-104 days). One patient died of anastomotic leakage, a second rTEF, severe malnutrition, and thoracic infection; the mortality rate was 3.23% (1/31). Nine patients (9/31, 29.03%) had an uneventful recovery, and the incidences of postoperative anastomotic leakage, anastomotic stricture, and second rTEF were 25.81%, 61.29%, and 9.68%, respectively. After a median follow-up of 12 months (range: 3-24 months), 26 survivors resumed full oral feeding, 2 were tube fed, 2 required a combination of methods, and 4 patients experienced severe respiratory complications. In total, 9 patients had pathological gastroesophageal reflux, and 2 patients eventually underwent Nissen fundoplication. Of the 30 survivors with growth chart data, the median weight for age Z-score, height for age Z-score, and weight for height Z-score were - 0.46 (range: -5.1 to 2.8), 0.75 (range: -2.7 to 4.7), and - 1.14 (range: -6.8 to 3.0), respectively. Thoracoscopic surgical repair for rTEF is safe, feasible, and effective with acceptable mortality and morbidity.

Congenital malformations potentially affecting respiratory function: multidisciplinary approach and follow-up

Background and aim.

Congenital malformations such as oesophageal atresia (OA) and tracheoesophageal fistula (TOF), congenital pulmonary airway malformations (CPAMs), congenital diaphragmatic hernia (CDH) and vascular rings (VRs) can affect lung development and respiratory function. This observational study describes our multidisciplinary approach and respiratory follow-up of children with such congenital malformations.

Methods.

Clinical data of children followed at the Pediatric Respiratory Unit of Parma University Hospital (Italy) between January 2015 and January 2020 were collected.

Results.

Twenty-three patients with congenital malformation affecting lung development were identified. Almost half of our patients were diagnosed with fetal ultrasound. Children attended the clinic at a mean age of 3 (3.7) years and follow-up visits were scheduled every 6 months average. More than half of our patients were hospitalized for lower respiratory tract infections. Six out of 9 children able to perform spirometry showed anomalies in lung function. Chest physiotherapy was recommended especially in children with OA.

Conclusions.

Children with congenital malformations affecting lung development are at risk of short and long-term respiratory complications, especially in the first years of life. OA was the malformation more associated to respiratory problems. Multidisciplinary approach and appropriate personalized follow-up are recommended for the best management of these children. (www.actabiomedica.it)

Characterization of Esophageal Motility in Children With Operated Esophageal Atresia Using High-resolution Impedance Manometry and Pressure Flow Analysis

OBJECTIVES

Esophageal dysmotility is common in patients with esophageal atresia (EA). High-resolution impedance manometry and pressure flow analysis (PFA) allow characterization of biomechanical events that drive bolus flow. The aims were to assess esophageal motility in children with EA, using PFA, and to test whether there is a correlation between PFA parameters and symptoms or endoscopic/histologic findings.

METHODS

High-resolution impedance manometry was performed in 16 children with EA (median age 11 years), compared with 13 patient controls (median age 14 years; P = NS vs patients). Wet swallows were analyzed using PFA. Medical charts were reviewed for symptoms and pathology results of the attendant esophagoscopy. Patients with EA were arbitrarily subgrouped according to their motility pattern: group A with presence of distal contraction in ≥50% of the swallows and group B with presence of distal contractions in <50% of the swallows.

RESULTS

Esophageal peristaltic motor patterns were abnormal in all patients with EA. Bolus transport was impaired as shown by the higher impedance ratio in EA than in controls (0.47 vs 0.22; P < 0.001). Impedance ratio was also higher in group B (n = 8) versus group A (n = 8) (P < 0.001). Symptoms of dysphagia were not correlated with the PFA measures. Contractile segment impedance, a marker of mucosal integrity, was significantly lower in the EA group.

CONCLUSIONS

Bolus transport was severely altered in patients with EA but was not predictive of symptoms. The presence of residual distal contractions is associated with a more efficient bolus propulsion.

Genetic Mouse Models and Induced Pluripotent Stem Cells for Studying Tracheal-Esophageal Separation and Esophageal Development

Esophagus and trachea arise from a common origin, the anterior foregut tube. The compartmentalization process of the foregut into the esophagus and trachea is still poorly understood. Esophageal atresia/tracheoesophageal fistula (EA/TEF) is one of the most common gastrointestinal congenital defects with an incidence rate of 1 in 2,500 births. EA/TEF is linked to the disruption of the compartmentalization process of the foregut tube. In EA/TEF patients, other organ anomalies and disorders have also been reported. Over the last two decades, animal models have shown the involvement of multiple signaling pathways and transcription factors in the development of the esophagus and trachea. Use of induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) to understand organogenesis has been a valuable tool for mimicking gastrointestinal and respiratory organs. This review focuses on the signaling mechanisms involved in esophageal development and the use of iPSCs to model and understand it.

Scoliosis after thoracotomy repair of esophageal atresia: a systematic review

Standard surgical repair of esophageal atresia/tracheoesophageal fistula (EA/TEF) is via a right posterolateral thoracotomy. A recognized complication is the later development of scoliosis. The prevalence and pathogenesis of secondary scoliosis are poorly understood. We, therefore, conducted a systematic review on this topic. All English language articles reporting incidence, outcomes and/or interventions for scoliosis in children after EA repair via thoracotomy were identified. Fourteen relevant articles published between 1969 and 2019 reporting 1338 children were included in the analysis. The aggregate prevalence of scoliosis among 937 children without congenital vertebral anomalies was 13%, but this figure varied widely between studies. Severity of scoliosis was documented in 181 children; eight children had a Cobb angle > 40° and 10 had undergone spinal surgery. The spinal curvature in affected individuals was dominantly or exclusively convex to the left. In conclusion, the reported prevalence of scoliosis varies widely but on average affects about one in eight children after open repair of EA/TEF. Most cases are mild and do not require intervention. It is currently uncertain whether secondary scoliosis is preventable by using meticulous thoracotomy techniques or thoracoscopic repair.Level of evidence IV.

Risk Factors and Reasons for Discharge Against Medical Advice for Newborns With Neonatal Surgical Diseases: A Preliminary Study From a Tertiary Care Hospital in Beijing, China

Background: To identify the risk factors and reasons for discharge against medical advice (DAMA) for newborns with neonatal surgical diseases in a tertiary care hospital in China. Methods: A retrospective study was conducted on all newborn patients admitted to the neonatal surgery department of Beijing Children's Hospital between January 1, 2016 and January 1, 2020. Medical records were compared between DAMA and non-DAMA patients. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses were conducted to identify potentially useful characteristics for predicting DAMA. Results: During the study period, 854 newborns were admitted to the neonatal surgery department. A total of 68 DAMA patients (68/854, 7.96%, 47 boys), with a median age at diagnosis of 1 day (range, from birth to 21 days), were included in this study. After multivariate analysis, we found that emergency admission, age at admission ≤5 days, rejection for surgery, and admission to the neonatal intensive care unit were significant independent risk factors for DAMA. According to the electronic medical records, the reasons for DAMA included belief in incurability and concerns about the prognosis of the disease (n = 31), multiple malformations with poor prognosis (n = 8), severe postoperative complications (n = 5), financial difficulties (n = 3), refusal of further examinations (n = 2), assumption of clinical improvement (n = 1), and unknown (n = 18). Conclusions: This preliminary study showed that neonatal surgical patients in critical conditions were high-risk groups for DAMA, and the main possible reasons for DAMA were the parents' belief in incurability and concerns about the prognosis of the disease.