Congenital anomalies associated with esophageal atresia: Saudi experience.

Eighty-nine Saudi newborns with esophageal atresia/tracheoesophageal fistula (EA/TEF) were managed at King Faisal Specialist Hospital and Research Center (KFSH & RC), Riyadh, Saudi Arabia between the years 1980-1995; there were 54 boys and 35 girls. Forty-four (49%) newborns had associated congenital anomalies. Genitourinary anomalies were present in 19 (21%), cardiovascular in 17 (19%), gastrointestinal in 9 (10%), central nervous system in 8 (9%), musculoskeletal in 7 (8%), chromosomal anomalies in 4 (5%), and head and neck in 5 (6%) cases. In general, the survival rate was higher in patients without associated anomalies than with associated anomalies (93 vs. 77%, p = 0.028). However, all patients with head and neck anomalies survived, whereas all patients with chromosomal anomalies died. With these exceptions, the survival rate was similar regardless of the type or the number of associated anomalies. The average birth weight was similar between survivors and non-survivors (2572 vs. 2376 g) and between patients with or without associated anomalies (2566 vs. 2519 g). We conclude that the survival rate of newborns with EA/TEF is high, especially in the absence of associated anomalies. Investigations for possible associated genitourinary and cardiovascular anomalies should be considered for all patients with EA/TEF.