Mission pediatric gastroenterologist published on genetic conditions

Michael Bates, MD, pediatric gastroenterologist with Mission Children’s Hospital, recently published a review in Seminars in Pediatric Surgery on the genetics of Hirschsprung disease and anorectal malformations. The review was authored with Erin Mundt, MS, a genetic counselor at Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center.

“I was asked to share my knowledge on these subjects largely due to my work with colorectal surgeons at Cincinnati Children’s and my interest in developmental biology and genetics,” said Dr. Bates.

Hirschsprung Disease is a congenital disorder in which the nerves do not develop normally in the gastrointestinal tract. Anorectal malformations are congenital disorders where the anal opening does not occur where it should. The problems occur in approximately two to five in every 10,000 live births.

Gene mutations resulting in Hirschsprung disease were identified in the 1990s, but Dr. Bates’ research has shown that anorectal malformations also result from genetic factors.

Dr. Bates joined Mission Children’s Hospital in 2008 and since then has seen approximately 12 patients with these conditions. He focuses on treating children with digestive system, liver or nutritional problems.

A graduate of Duke University and the University of North Carolina School of Medicine, Dr. Bates completed his residency and fellowship at Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center, Department of Pediatrics.