Assessment of Prognostic Factors and Outcomes in Children with Esophageal Atresia: A Prospective Observational Study

Furthermore, recognizing high-risk patients early can facilitate timely referrals to specialized centers, ultimately reducing mortality.This study aims to evaluate these prognostic factors in EA to provide evidence-based recommendations for improving outcomes, particularly in settings where advanced neonatal care is not readily available. Materials a n d MethodsThis was a prospective observational study conducted from January to April 2024 at a single tertiary care hospital. introductionEsophageal atresia (EA) is a congenital condition that presents significant challenges in neonatal surgery.While survival rates exceed 90% in developed nations, outcomes remain poorer in developing countries, where factors such as birth weight, age at diagnosis, and associated anomalies contribute to higher mortality.Haight and Towsley 1 first reported a successful primary anastomosis for EA with tracheoesophageal fistula (TEF), which marked a pivotal advance in surgical management.However, despite this progress, survival remained low, particularly in resource-limited settings.To address the varying outcomes, Waterston et al. 2 introduced a classification system based on birth weight and pneumonia risk, followed by Spitz et al., 3 who highlighted the significance of birth weight and major cardiac anomalies in determining prognosis.These classifications underscored the role of low birth weight and associated anomalies in survival outcomes. 2,3n low-resource settings, delays in diagnosis, inadequate preoperative stabilization, and limited access to ventilatory and inotropic support contribute to poorer outcomes.Understanding the specific factors that influence morbidity and mortality in EA can help healthcare providers prioritize perioperative interventions, allocate resources effectively, and develop standardized treatment protocols tailored to local constraints.