Comparison of the Birth Weights of Infants with Esophageal Atresia and Tracheoesophageal Fistula and Infants with Inguinal Hernia: A Retrospective Case–Control Study

Esophageal atresia with tracheoesophageal fistula is the most common tracheoesophageal malformation. Amniotic fluid swallowing into the upper blind sack and aspiration were observed during fetal life. Tracheoesophageal fistula serves as a sideway passage of amniotic fluid into the gastrointestinal tract. Compared with inguinal hernia, gestational age adjusted birth weights were lower for infants with esophageal atresia. In esophageal atresia with tracheoesophageal fistula nutrition by aspirated amniotic fluid did not fully compensate the intrauterine growth deficit.