Case report of VACTERL association and discussion about its prognostic aspects

Abstract

VACTERL Association corresponds to the combination of three or more of the following defects: Vertebral, Anal atresia, Cardiac changes, Tracheo-esophageal fistula, Esophagus atresia, Renal anomalies and Limbs. Its etiology is still unknown, but believed to be multifactorial, associated with mutations in genes as FOXF1 and ZIC3 and maternal risk factors. This report describes a case of VACTERL diagnosed in the Regional University Hospital of Maringá (HURM). L.P.N. female patient, 1 day in life, was referred to neonatal ICU due to respiratory discomfort, cyanosis and salivation in the delivery room, and diagnosed with esophageal atresia. On the 9th day of life surgical repair of esophageal atresia and tracheoesophageal fistula was performed. Other malformations were observed by detecting moderate perimembranous ventricular septal defect and absent right kidney, suggesting VACTERL diagnostic. At the age of 3 years and 9 months, presents eutrophic, healthy, and in multiprofessional follow up. Despite being a rare disease, this association requires expertise of health professionals, in order to be early detected and to treat its alterations and complications. Also, if handled correctly, the child shows good performance and prospects of a normal life. The prognosis depends on the extent and severity of associated anomalies, as well as the training of parents and professional staff.