VACTERL association
The VACTERL association (also VATER association) refers to the non-random co-occurrence of birth defects Vertebral anomalies, Anal atresia, Cardiac defects, Tracheoesophageal fistula and/or Esophageal atresia, Renal & Radial anomalies and Limb defects. The reason it is called an association, rather than a syndrome, is that while the complications are not pathogenically related they tend to occur together more frequently than expected by chance. In general, the etiology of "associations" is not defined.
Each child with this condition can be unique. At present this condition is treated after birth with issues being approached one at a time. Some infants are born with symptoms that cannot be fixed and they do not survive. Causes of this association are debated, though it appears to be genetic according to certain studies. Also, VACTERL association can be linked to other similar conditions such as Klippel Feil and Goldenhar Syndrome including crossovers of conditions.
No specific genetic or chromosome problem has been identified with VACTERL association. VACTERL can be seen with some chromosomal defects such as Trisomy 18 and is more frequently seen in babies of diabetic mothers. VACTERL association, however, is most likely caused by multiple factors.
