What is VATER/VACTERL Association or VACTERL sequence ?
VATER/VACTERL Association is a non random association of birth defects that affects multiple organ systems . VACTERL
is an acronym with each letter representing the first letter of one of the more common findings seen in affected children
:
V: vertebral anomilies
A: anal anomolies
C: cardiac anomolies
T: tracheoesophageal fistula
E: Esophageal astresia
R: renal ( kidney)
L: limb anomalies
there are also less frequent abnormalities including growth definicienies and failure to gain weight and
grow at expected rate ( failure to thrive) .
Mental function and intellegence is usually unaffected.
VATER/VACTERL is also know also as VATERS, VATER,or VACTERLS . With the s standing for the single umblicial
artery instead of the normal two. Also known as the two vesseled umbilical cord .
There is very little known about VACTERL other then it occurs non randomly for no apparent reason . The
exact cause is unknown .
They do believe that :
..multiple factors including several genes inherited in a specific combination can be a factor
..possible enviromental causes may be a factor
..and that VACTERL can be seen with some chromosomal defects such as Trisomy 18 and is more frequently seen
in babies of diabetic mothers.
As of now there is no specific genetic or chromosome problem that has been identified.
This occurs in about 1 in 5000 births and about 250 children a year worldwide are born with VACTERL/VATER
Association .
Hopefully in the future we will know more about VACTERL and that there will be testing for moms to be so
that their children can get the proper help that they will need to help their child lead a normal and healthy life.
