VATER Association
Definition
VATER is an acronym, not a disease or a diagnosis. This acronym is used to describe the types of physical problem(s) a child may have.
V - Vertebrae problem(s). For example, abnormally formed vertebrae, hemivertebrae, and extra ribs.
A - Anal Anomalies and sometimes rectum problem(s). For example, there is no opening where the anus should be, called an imperforate anus.
T - Trachea (windpipe) problem(s). For example, there is a connection between the trachea and esophagus, called a tracheal esophageal fistula.
E - Esophagus (tube from mouth to stomach) problem(s). For example, part of the esophagus is missing, called esophageal atresia.
R - Radius (lower arm bone) and/or Renal (kidney) problem(s). For example, the larger lower arm bone is abnormally formed, or a thumb is missing or abnormally formed kidney.
Sometimes other letters are used and the possible acronyms are VACTERL, VACTERLS, and VATERS.
C - Cardiac (heart) problem(s). For example, there may be a hole in the heart or a defective valve.
L - Limb (arms, hands, legs or feet) problem(s). For example, there exists extra fingers or shortened limbs.
S - Single umbilical artery. The umbilical cord had 2 blood vessels instead of three.
For more information
TOFS (Tracheo-Oesophageal Fistula Support Group)
St George's Centre
91 Victoria Road
Netherfield
Nottingham NG4 2NN
Tel: 0115 961 3092
http://www.tofs.org.uk (includes links to other organizations)
TEF/VATER Support Network
15301 Grey Fox Road
Upper Marlboro MD 20772
USA
(001) 301-952-6837
VATER Association
520 Greensboro Street
Startville, MS 39759
USA
(001) 601-323-1951
The VATER Connection
1722 Yucca Lane
Emporia, KS 66801
USA
(001) 316 342-6954
http://www.vaterconnection.org/ (has a bulletin board)
VACTRLS Association Family Network
5585 CY Ave
Casper, WY 82604
USA
http://www.homestead.com/VAFN.VAFN.html
E.A.T. (Esophageal Atresia/T.E.F.) Family Support Organization, Inc.
921 Acorn Drive
Sleepy Hollow, IL 60018
USA
Phone: (708) 426 9486
United Ostomy Association, Inc. (UOA)
19772 MacArthur Blvd, suite 200
Irvine CA92612 2405
USA
http://www.uoa.org
Pull-thru Network
4 Woody Lane
Westport, CT 06880
USA
(001) 203 221 7530
« Back