Nationwide analysis of mortality and hospital readmissions in esophageal atresia

The purpose of this study is to identify determinants of mortality and hospital readmission in infants born with esophageal atresia ± tracheoesophageal fistula. The Nationwide Readmissions Database (2010–2014) was queried for newborns with a diagnosis of esophageal atresia. Outcomes included mortality and readmissions at 30-day and 1-year. 3157 patients were identified, of which 54% were male. 81% had an additional congenital anomaly, and 35% had VACTERL association. Overall mortality at index hospitalization was 11% (n = 360) and was significantly higher with additional congenital anomalies (13%), VACTERL (19%), and Spitz classification II/III (18%) vs. isolated esophageal atresia/tracheoesophageal fistula (4%), all p