Tanny et al reported findings predictive of mortality for a patient with esophageal atresia following the primary discharge. This can help to identify a patient who may benefit from more aggessive management. The authors are from the Royal Children's Hospital, Murdoch Children's Research Institute, University of Melbourne and Monash University in Australia.
Patient selection: esophageal atresia, after initial hospital discharge
Most patients with early mortality die prior to the initial discharge.
More common causes of death after initial discharge:
(1) aspiration-related complications
(2) tracheostomy or airway complication (including tracheomalacia)
(3) croup
(4) sudden infant death syndrome
(5) Fanconi anemia
Less common causes:
(6) trauma
(7) renal failure
(8) plasmacytosis
Factors to consider when evaluating the infant:
(1) presence of other anomalies
(2) airway compromise, especially aspiration pneumonia
(3) organ dysfunctions/failures
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