Neurodevelopmental assessment at 24 months in infants with esophageal atresia: A prospective cohort study.

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate neurodevelopment at 24 months in infants surgically treated for esophageal atresia (EA), using the ages and stages questionnaire (ASQ), and identify perinatal and early-life factors associated with developmental delay.

METHODS

Infants with EA were prospectively enrolled in a structured multidisciplinary follow-up program. Total ASQ scores ≤185 were considered indicative of significant neurodevelopmental delay, while scores >220 reflected reassuring neurodevelopment. Five skill domains (communication, gross motor skills, fine motor skills, problem solving, and social skills) were also assessed. Clinical, surgical, and growth data were analyzed to identify associated risk factors.

RESULTS

Of the 74 infants included, 13 patients (18%) had an ASQ score ≤185. Lower ASQ scores were significantly associated with prematurity, prolonged hospitalization, multiple surgeries, poor weight gain at 1 and 2 years, and feeding disorders. After adjusting for gestational age and genetic anomalies, prolonged hospitalization remained associated with lower ASQ scores, and higher weight-for-age at 1 and 2 years with better ASQ scores. Communication and social skills were the most severely affected, with approximately 80% of infants in the ASQ ≤ 185 group scoring below -2 standard deviations.

CONCLUSION

Although most children with EA demonstrated normal development at 2 years, a minority experienced significant delays, especially in communication and social skills. Early screening and targeted multidisciplinary follow-up are essential to support optimal outcomes in this high-risk population.