Gastrointestinal malformations, associated congenital abnormalities, and intrauterine growth.
BACKGROUND
In contrast with other malformations, congenital anomalies of the gastrointestinal tract have been scarcely investigated.


METHODS
The prevalence of gastrointestinal malformations with special reference to associated disorders and intrauterine growth was retrospectively analyzed in the newborn infants admitted to the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit of the Department of Pediatrics, University of Pécs, Hungary, in the 14-year period between 1987 and 2000.


RESULTS
Of 4,241 neonates with gastrointestinal malformations, 241 (5.68%) had a total of 304 malformations (excluding Hirschsprung disease). In 133 patients, the gastrointestinal anomalies were observed as one of multiple malformations; a specific syndrome or association was diagnosed in 36 cases. Skeletal disorders were the most frequently associated anomalies. Intrauterine growth retardation was found in a large number of patients with both isolated and multiple gastrointestinal malformations (38.9% and 30.8%, respectively).


CONCLUSIONS
Gastrointestinal malformations often are complicated by skeletal anomalies and intrauterine growth retardation. The association among these disorders requires further investigation. However, from a practical point of view, this association should be considered in treating affected patients.
Tárnok
András
A
Department of Pediatrics, Faculty of Medicine, University of Pécs, Pécs, Hungary. andras.tarnok@aok.pte.hu
Méhes
Károly
K
D001724:Birth Weight / Q000502:physiology; D000013:Congenital Abnormalities / Q000453:epidemiology*; D004065:Digestive System Abnormalities; D005317:Fetal Growth Retardation / Q000150:complications*; D006801:Humans; D006814:Hungary; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D012189:Retrospective Studies