Assembly Resolution No. 673

BY: M. of A. Woerner

MEMORIALIZING Governor Andrew M. Cuomo to proclaim
January 15, 2020, as Intestinal Malrotation and
Volvulus Awareness Day in the State of New York

WHEREAS, It is the custom of this Legislative Body to recognize
official days that are set aside to increase awareness of serious birth
defects that affect the lives of citizens of New York State; and

WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its
long-standing traditions, it is the sense this Legislative Body to
memorialize Governor Andrew M. Cuomo to proclaim January 15, 2020, as
Intestinal Malrotation and Volvulus Awareness Day in the State of New
York; and

WHEREAS, Intestinal Malrotation and Volvulus Awareness Day serves to
highlight the urgency of this condition; it honors the memory of
children like Mya Brown, whose life was cut short when her symptoms were
missed by 23 medical professionals; and

WHEREAS, It serves to fulfil the Intestinal Malrotation Foundation's
mission to raise awareness, increase research, educate healthcare
professionals, and provide support to those affected by intestinal
malrotation; and

WHEREAS, Intestinal malrotation is a congenital birth defect
occurring when the intestine fails to rotate correctly during embryonic
development; this can lead to volvulus, a life-threatening surgical
emergency where the intestine twists, restricting blood flow to vital
organs; and

WHEREAS, Malrotation may affect 1 in 500 births, with 1 in 3500
becoming symptomatic; 58% will be diagnosed as infants and 42% diagnosed
after infancy; and

WHEREAS, To decrease the mortality and morbidity associated with
malrotation it is vital for healthcare providers and the community to be
aware of signs and symptoms; and

WHEREAS, The cardinal symptom of volvulus is vomiting bile, a green
or bright yellow fluid, reported in 80% of pediatric cases; other
symptoms include abdominal pain, dehydration, and lethargy; symptoms may
be missed by healthcare providers, leading to misdiagnosis such as
reflux or stomach flu; and

WHEREAS, Though most cases of intestinal malrotation are present at
birth, symptoms or complications can begin at any age and threaten the
life and livelihood of those diagnosed; 40% of those affected by
intestinal malrotation are diagnosed after the age of 1; and

WHEREAS, The most common treatment for intestinal malrotation is a
surgical procedure known as Ladd's procedure; this procedure untwists
the intestines and repositions them in a position making them less

likely to twist in the future and is performed immediately on those
diagnosed with this condition.; and

WHEREAS, It is imperative that there be greater awareness of this
serious birth defects, and more must be done to increase activity at the
local, State and National levels; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
memorialize Governor Andrew M. Cuomo to proclaim January 15, 2020, as
Intestinal Malrotation and Volvulus Awareness Day in the State of New
York; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to The Honorable Andrew M. Cuomo, Governor of the State of
New York.