Prevalence and survival of patients with anorectal malformations: A population-based study

Abstract Background Anorectal malformations (ARMs) are the most frequent congenital intestinal anomalies. The aim of this study was to describe the epidemiology of anorectal defects between 1981 and 2014 and to evaluate patients' survival. Methods A population-based study using data collected by an Italian, regional registry of birth defects and by the local Pediatric Surgery Units. Results A total of 428 individuals with ARM were identified, with an overall prevalence of 3.09 per 10,000 births. Characteristics associated with decreased survival were low birth weight ( Conclusions This study found a significant improvement in the survival of individuals with anorectal malformations over the past decades and identified the strongest predictors of mortality. Level of evidence (prognosis study) Level II.