Can VACTERL be cured?

Doctors usually can diagnose this condition shortly after birth. This is a very serious condition that requires immediate treatment. Most babies will need surgery to repair the defect.

What causes VACTERL syndrome?

The exact cause of VACTERL association is unknown. Clearly, the factors that lead to the widespread malformations must influence the very early stages of embryonic development. One or more VACTERL defects have occurred with greater frequency to women with diabetes than in the general population.

What is VACTERL in baby?

VACTERL association is a disorder that affects many body systems. VACTERL stands for vertebral defects, anal atresia, cardiac defects, tracheo-esophageal fistula, renal anomalies, and limb abnormalities. People diagnosed with VACTERL association typically have at least three of these characteristic features.

Can VACTERL syndrome be diagnosed before birth?

The developmental abnormalities characteristic of VACTERL association develop before birth. The disruption to typical development that causes VACTERL association likely occurs early in development, resulting in birth defects that affect multiple body systems.

Is Vater syndrome a disability?

This means something happens with the power center of your cells that causes early growth problems. In some cases, birth defects can be severe in Vater syndrome. One treatment to stabilize spinal bones, called spinal fusion, can lead to permanent disability and qualifies for disability benefits.

Is esophageal atresia life threatening?

Esophageal atresia can be life-threatening, so the baby has to be treated quickly. Doctors perform surgery to connect the esophagus to the stomach in babies with this condition.

Can people with Vater syndrome have children?

It also typically only happens to one person in the family. If you have one child with Vater syndrome, the risk of having another child with the condition is low (around 1% or 1 in 100).

What is Bronx syndrome?

Townes-Brocks syndrome (TBS) is a genetic condition caused by a harmful change (mutation) in a gene called SALL1. Features include no anal opening (imperforate anus) and differently shaped ears and thumbs. There can also be problems with the feet, heart and kidneys.

Is esophageal atresia compatible with life?

How we care for esophageal atresia. Although EA can be life-threatening in its most severe forms and could cause long-term nutritional concerns, the majority of children fully recover if it’s detected early. The best treatment for EA is usually surgery to reconnect the two ends of the baby’s esophagus to each other.

Is esophageal atresia curable?

Without a working esophagus, it’s impossible to receive enough nutrition by mouth. Babies with EA are also more prone to infections like pneumonia and conditions such as acid reflux. Luckily, EA is usually treatable.