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Background: Assisted reproductive technologies (ART) are becoming widespread, accounting for approximately 2% of all births in the western countries. Concerns exist on the potential association of ART with congenital anomalies. Few studies have addressed if a relationship exists between ART and the development of anorectal malformation (ARM). Our aim was to analyze the relationship between ARM and ART.Methods: Single-center retrospective case control study of all patients treated for ARM between 2010 and 2017. Patients with bronchiolitis treated since 2014 were used as controls. Variables analyzed include the following: prevalence of ART, gestational age, birth weight, and maternal age. Patients with ARM born after ART were also compared with those naturally conceived for disease complexity. Fisher's exact and Mann-Whitney U-tests were used as appropriate.Results: Three hundred sixty-nine patients were analyzed (143 cases and 226 controls). Prevalence of ART was significantly higher in ARM patients than in controls [7.6 vs. 3.0%; odds ratio: 2.59 (95% CI, 0.98–0.68); p = 0.05]. Among ARM patients, incidence of VACTERL association (17%) is more frequent in ART babies.Conclusion: Patients with ARM were more likely to be conceived following ART as compared with controls without congenital anomalies. Disease complexity of patients with ARM born after ART seems greater that those born after nonassisted conception.

Aim: To evaluate the correlation between sacral/vertebral anomalies and spinal cord anomalies (SCA) on MRI, in patients with anorectal malformation (ARM). Methods: Patients with ARM consecutively treated between January 1999 and August 2019 were included. Radiological imaging of sacrum and spine were retrospectively analyzed and correlated to the presence of SCA at MRI. Fisher's exact test and X2 test were used as appropriate; p<0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results: 348 patients with ARM were enrolled in the study, 147 presented SCA at MRI. 144 patients showed spinal bone anomalies, isolated vertebral and sacral anomalies were found in 17,6% and 35% respectively. Higher level of ARM was associated with a significant higher prevalence of sacral and vertebral anomalies. A significant correlation was found between the "level" of ARM and the presence of SCA (p<0.05). Sacral anomalies were significantly correlated with the presence of SCA at MRI (p<0.05). SCA were found in 70% of patients with vertebral anomalies (VA) and in 76% of patients with sacral anomalies. The presence of multiple malformations (vertebral and sacral anomalies) are strictly related to the presence of SCA. However, the absence of spinal bone anomalies does not exclude the presence of SCA. SD was the most represented type of SCA (n=94/147), of those 96% had fatty filum. Neurological or neurourological symptoms were detected in 11,5% patients (n=17) with SCA and required neurosurgical intervention. Conclusions: Our data confirm the strong relation between sacral or vertebral anomalies and SCA. However, in our series also patients without sacral/vertebral anomalies had SCA at MRI. Our results suggest that, despite the presence or absence of spinal anomalies, spinal cord MRI should be performed in all children with ARM, to allow a correct multidisciplinary follow-up and treatment. In fact, most patients with spinal bone and SCA are asymptomatic, but could develop clinical manifestations during their growth. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background The aim of the study was to assess current international practice in the long term follow-up, in managing active problems and transition of care for teenagers born with anorectal malformations (ARM). Methods An original survey was administered to delegates attending two large colorectal surgical meetings in 2015. The 21 questions covered long term follow-up, specific issues for teenagers and transition of care. Results 96/236 delegates completed the survey. Follow-up was routinely suspended before 10 year of age by 33% of respondents. 90% of them did not use a scoring system to assess or risks stratify patients, despite 81% stating that an objective score would be beneficial. 40% of respondents felt that > 30% of their teenagers had ongoing active medical or psychosocial issues. 42% thought their patients were not ready to be transitioned. The process of transition should start around 13–16 years according to 54% of respondents. 72% had no protocol for transition and 82% did not hold multidisciplinary meetings with adult practitioners before transition. Conclusions International consensus on the following aspects of the care in ARM is needed: structured long term follow-up, objective assessment and risk stratification scores, pathways of transition and methods to prepare patients, parents and adult practitioners. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The ARM-Net (anorectal malformation network) consortium held a consensus meeting in which the classification of ARM and preoperative workup were evaluated with the aim of improving monitoring of treatment and outcome. The Krickenbeck classification of ARM and preoperative workup suggested by Levitt and Peña, used as a template, were discussed, and a collaborative consensus was achieved. The Krickenbeck classification is appropriate in describing ARM for clinical use. The preoperative workup was slightly modified. In males with a visible fistula, no cross-table lateral X-ray is needed and an anoplasty or (mini-) posterior sagittal anorectoplasty can directly be performed. In females with a small vestibular fistula (Hegar size <5 mm), a primary repair or colostomy is recommended; the repair may be delayed if the fistula admits a Hegar size >5 mm, and in the meantime, gentle painless dilatations can be performed. In both male and female perineal fistula and either a low birth weight (<2,000 g) or severe associated congenital anomalies, prolonged preoperative painless dilatations might be indicated to decrease perioperative morbidity caused by general anesthesia. The Krickenbeck classification is appropriate in describing ARM for clinical use. Some minor modifications to the preoperative workup by Levitt and Peña have been introduced in order to refine terminology and establish a comprehensive preoperative workup. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]