A comparison of incidence trends for esophageal atresia and tracheoesophageal fistula, and infectious disease

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Abstract
There has been a suggestion that esophageal atresia with tracheoesophageal fistula (EA/TEF) may be related to the occurrence of infectious disease in the population during the time of early gestation. There is therefore a need for further data on trends in incidence related to infectious diseases. Data on the occurrence of EA/TEF with and without additional congenital malformations may also be relevant. The British Columbia Health Surveillance Registry is population‐based with excellent case ascertainment of birth defects, and data are available on the incidence of infectious diseases for B.C., allowing comparison of trends to be made. One hundred forty‐nine cases of EA/TEF occurred among 534,834 consecutive livebirths during the period 1966–1980 for an incidence rate of 1/3,590. No significant (p < 0.05) annual, seasonal or monthly incidence trends were observed. In addition, the occurrence of EA/TEF could not be correlated with the prior incidence of infectious hepatitis, rubella, salmonella, or rubeola. Fifty‐five percent of individuals with EA/TEF had congenital malformations in other systems, most frequently cardiovascular, gastrointestinal, and genitourinary. Most individuals with additional congenital malformations had multiple system involvement.