What Are the Top Benefits of a Prenatal Diagnosis of Fetal Esophageal or Intestinal Atresia?

Abstract

Background: The aim of the study was to investigate how prenatal diagnosis of fetal esophageal or intestinal atresia impacts obstetric and neonatal outcomes. Methods: This was a retrospective cohort study of mothers and their neonates affected by fetal esophageal or intestinal atresia and followed in our center. The study population comprised 29 mothers and their fetuses (57%) identified prenatally, and 22 mothers and their neonates (43%) diagnosed postnatally. Results: There was no significant difference between the two groups in induction of labor or mode of delivery. In the prenatal group, there was significantly higher prevalence of preterm birth before 37 and 34 weeks (59% vs. 31% and 24% vs. 0%, respectively) with no significant differences in rates of hospitalizations in a high-risk maternity unit and severe polyhydramnios (24% vs. 9% and 14% vs. 0%, respectively). Univariate regression analysis demonstrated that the only significant contribution to the prediction of delivery before 37 weeks was provided by prenatal diagnosis (R 2 = 0.08, P = 0.046). Furthermore, we found no differences in age at surgery, neonatal complications and neonatal death. We observed significant differences in the duration of a neonatal intensive care unit stay (12 days (interquartile range: 41) vs. 6 (interquartile range: 4)). Conclusions: We were not able to demonstrate any benefits of a prenatal diagnosis of fetal esophageal or intestinal atresia. This should reassure maternity care providers anytime such an unexpected delivery occurs.