Parent-Reported Feeding Difficulties among Children Born with Esophageal Atresia: Prevalence and Early Risk Factors

Parent-reported survey of 114 children with repaired esophageal atresia reveals feeding difficulties in 75% of young children (2-7 years), decreasing to 60% in teenagers. Surgical complications, VACTERL association, low birth weight, and prematurity independently predict persistent feeding challenges including prolonged mealtimes and need for gastrostomy support.