In contrast, hemoglobin levels [103.5 (95.25, 110.5) vs. 121.00 (112.75, 135.00) g/L, P = 0.000] and albumin levels [30.50 (26.25, 35.75) vs. 38.00 (34.00, 41.00) g/L, P = 0.000] were significantly lower in the malignant TEF group than in the malignant CAO group. Here, ALB is linked to esophageal atresia/tracheoesophageal fistula.