The Estimable Effect of Antenatal Diagnosis on the Prognosis of Intestinal Atresia

Objective: The aim of this study is to determine whether patients with intestinal atresia diagnosed antenatally had different prognosis from those diagnosed postnatally. Methods: We reviewed the records of neonates in our hospital between 1995 and 2004 with a diagnosis of intestinal atresia. Results: Sixty neonates presented with intestinal atresia, with antenatal diagnosis (AND) being made in 21 (35%). Jejunal atresia had a higher antenatal diagnostic rate than the ileal atresia patients. The AND group were operated on more quickly than those in the PND group. 17 out of 21(80%) in AND group required total parenteral nutrition longer than 7 days compared with 20 out of 39(51%) in the PND group, P0.05. Complications in AND group were increased than those in PND group, 37. 5%(6/16) vs 9. 7%(3/31), P0.05. Conclusion:Jejunal atresia is more common in AND than ileal atresia. Though AND group operated more quickly than PND group, it still had higher dependence on TPN, increased stay hospital days and complications. The prognosis of AND was poorer than that of PND group.