CHARGE association: an update and review for the primary pediatrician

CHARGE association describes a group of birth defects characterized by eye and heart defects, airway and esophagus abnormalities, retardation, small genitals, and ear and hearing defects. Children born with this condition will often have several defects which typify CHARGE, an acronym for the key disorders. The heart, respiratory and esophageal abnormalities may necessitate surgery to improve heart function, eating, and breathing. CHARGE patients will often have delayed and impaired motor and mental development. The condition appears to result from genetic mutation.