Evaluation of respiratory problems in children with esophageal atresia

INTRODUCTION: Esophageal atresia (EA) is the most common esophageal anomaly associated with respiratory morbidity in childhood. This study aimed to evaluate respiratory problems in children who underwent surgery for esophageal atresia.
METHODS: A total of 33 cases with EA were included in the patient group, and 20 cases diagnosed with isolated gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) were included in the control group. This case-control study also included observational and analytical evaluations. Respiratory symptoms and findings were recorded. Spirometry was performed to assess lung function, and laboratory tests indicating an allergic condition were examined.
RESULTS: In the patient group with a median age of 4.7 years (IQR: 6.7), 84.8% had recurrent or chronic cough, 51.5% had wheezing, 63.6% had a history of respiratory distress in the past year, 24.2% had recurrent pneumonia, and 63.6% had a history of hospitalization due to respiratory problems at least once. Aspiration pneumonia was present in 27.2% of patients, asthma diagnosed by a physician in 33.3%, and tracheomalacia in 18.1%. Asthma, cough, and wheezing were observed at similar rates in both groups, while aspiration pneumonia and hospitalization due to respiratory problems were more common in the patient group. Pulmonary function test (PFT) abnormalities were significantly more common in the EA group compared with the control group (p<0.001).
DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION: Respiratory problems in EA are based on structural and functional causes and are quite widespread. We emphasize the importance of conducting research using more detailed respiratory tests in larger patient series to obtain clearer data.