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esophageal atresia
Epidemiology:
- 1 in 4000 births [1]; 1 in 2500 births [2]
Pathology:
- in most cases, the upper esophagus terminates & does not continue as the lower esophagus
- frequently associated with tracheoesophageal fistula
- affected infants may also have congenital heart detects or other congenital anomalies
Clinical manifestations:
- cyanosis with attempted feedings
- coughing, gagging, & choking with attempted feeding
- drooling
- poor feeding
Management:
- considered a surgical emergency
- surgical repair as soon as possible after stabilization
- nothing by mouth prior to surgery
General
atresia (atretic, atresic, imperforate)
esophageal disease
References
- MedlinePlus: Esophageal atresia
http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/000961.htm
- Wikipedia: Esophageal atresia
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Esophageal_atresia
- Boston Children's Hospital: Esophageal Atresia
http://www.childrenshospital.org/health-topics/conditions/esophageal-atresia