VATER syndrome (VACTERL association)
VATER syndrome (VACTERL association) describes a cluster of conditions that affect various body parts. A child is diagnosed with this condition when three or more body parts are involved.
What is VATER syndrome (VACTERL association)?
VATER syndrome, also known as VACTERL association, is a term used when a child is diagnosed with birth defects in three or more body parts. VACTERL is a condition that occurs as the baby is developing in their mother’s womb and is present at birth - congenital.
The acronym stands for:
V – vertebral abnormalities
A – anal atresia (absence or closure of anus)
C – cardiac (heart defects)
T – tracheal anomalies in which the esophagus and the trachea (windpipe) don’t connect correctly
E – esophageal abnormalities
R – renal or kidney problems and radial (thumb side of hand) problems
L – other limb abnormalities
What are the causes of VATER syndrome (VACTERL association)?
Researchers have identified possible genetic and environmental influences, but have not narrowed a specific cause.
