Persisting Motor Function Problems in Children With Oesophageal Atresia Associated With Surgical Approach and Sports

Aim: Children born with oesophageal atresia are at risk for impaired motor function, yet longitudinal data are lacking. This study aimed to assess overall motor functioning, motor domains and potential predictors at school age over time. Methods: A prospective observational cohort study conducted within a tertiary university hospital's follow-up programme. Outcomes included overall motor performance and specific subdomains: manual dexterity, ball skills and balance. Results: Data from 161 children (84% oesophageal atresia type C) assessed at 5, 8 and 12 years showed estimated mean (95% CI) z-scores of −0.61 (−0.79 to −0.44), −0.35 (−0.53 to −0.16) and −0.56 (−0.77 to −0.34), respectively. At all ages and across subdomains, the proportion of children with definite motor impairments was significantly higher than the normative population (all p < 0.05). Univariable analyses identified lower gestational age, longer anaesthetic exposure, no sports participation and lower socio-economic status (all p < 0.05) as risk factors for impaired motor functioning. Multivariable analyses identified sports participation (p = 0.005) and, at 8 years, absence of thoracotomy (p < 0.001) as independent predictors. Conclusion: School-aged children born with oesophageal atresia remain at risk for persistent motor impairments. Encouraging sports participation is recommended, and further research is needed to explore the underlying mechanisms of motor impairment.