What is EA and TEF?

What is EA and TEF?

Esophageal atresia (EA) and tracheoesophageal fistula (TEF) are rare conditions that develop before birth. They often occur together and affect the development of the esophagus, trachea or both. These conditions can be life-threatening and must be treated shortly after birth.

What are the types of EA?

What causes esophageal atresia?

• Type A. The upper and lower segments of the esophagus end in pouches, like dead-end streets that don’t connect.
• Type B. The lower segment ends in a blind pouch.
• Type C. The upper segment ends in a blind pouch.
• Type D. TEF is present on both upper and lower segments.

How common is EA TEF?

EA/TEF stands for esophageal atresia (EA) with or without tracheoesophageal fistula (TEF). While EA/TEF is rare, occurring in 1 in 2,500 births, the two conditions are often present together and develop before birth.

What is TEF in pediatrics?

A tracheoesophageal fistula (TEF) is an abnormal connection between these two tubes. As a result, swallowed liquids or food can be aspirated (inhaled) into your child’s lungs. Feeding into the stomach directly can also lead to reflux and aspiration of stomach acid and food.

Is EA TEF genetic?

Isolated EA/TEF is considered to be a multifactorial condition, which means that multiple gene variations and environmental factors likely contribute to its occurrence. In most cases of isolated EA/TEF, no specific genetic changes or environmental factors have been conclusively determined to be the cause.

Is TEF a birth defect?

TEF/EA is one of the most common gastrointestinal birth defects. It has a slightly higher incidence in males than females. The incidence rate of TEF/EA is approximately 1 in 4,000 live births. Of the babies born with TEF/EA, approximately 50 percent will have an associated birth defect.

What is H-type fistula?

H‐type fistula is a rare, isolated form of tracheo‐oesophageal fistula (TEF). A 9‐month‐old girl presented with paroxysms of persistent cough related to feeds. Repeated hospitalisations, empirical antibiotics, antitubercular treatment and various investigations failed to resolve her symptoms.

When is EA TEF diagnosis?

The diagnosis of EA/TEF is confirmed by attempting to pass a nasogastric tube (a tube that runs from the nose to the stomach via the esophagus) down the throat of infants who have require excessive suction of mucus, or are born to mothers with polyhydramnios, or, if earlier signs are missed have difficulty feeding.

How many babies are born with esophageal atresia?

Researchers estimate that about 1 in every 4,100 babies is born with esophageal atresia in the United States. This birth defect can occur alone, but often occurs with other birth defects.

What happens if a baby has EA and TEF?

The combination of ea with tef compromises digestion, nutrition, and respiration (breathing), creating a life-threatening condition that requires immediate medical attention. All babies with ea/tef require surgical repair to correct the condition and allow proper nutrition and swallowing.

How is esophageal fistula surgery performed for babies with TEF and EA?

For babies with TEF and EA, the next part of surgery is to divide the esophagus from the windpipe at the abnormal connection (fistula) and close the hole left in the windpipe.

What are the possible complications of EA/TEF?

In particular, EA/TEF has been linked to: 1 VACTERL syndrome, a complex condition that includes a group of birth defects often seen together… 2 Digestive tract problems such as congenital diaphragmatic hernia, duodenal atresia,… 3 Heart problems such as ventricular septal defect, tetralogy of Fallot, or patent ductus arteriosus.

What is the most common type of esophageal effusion (EA/TEF)?

This is the most common type of EA/TEF occurring in approximately 85 percent of individuals. A TEF is present connecting both the upper and lower segments of the esophagus to the trachea. This is the rarest form of EA/TEF affecting less than 1 percent of cases.