Congenital diaphragmatic hernia: Ten-year single center results

Abstract

Introduction: Congenital diaphragmatic hernia (CDH) is a rare abnormality with high mortality and long-term comorbid conditions. Our aim, in this paper, was to describe demographics and birth characteristics, treatment, and outcomes of consecutive patients with CDH treated at our institution.Methods: The present study represents a retrospective cohort study of neonates with CDH who were treated at Uludag University Medical Faculty, Neonatal intensive care unit, Bursa. We identified the medical records of all patients with CDH who were admitted for treatment to our neonatal intensive care unit from January 2007 to December 2016. We reviewed the medical, surgical records, demographics and birth characteristics. We also recorded presence of pulmonary hypertension, whether or not the liver and, stomach also herniated into the thorax, other associated congenital malformations, and type of mechanical ventilation.Results: Forty patients were included in this study. The overall mortality was 67.5% (27/40). Survival for those who had surgical correction of CDH was 61% (13/21). Low birth weight, low gestational age, low APGAR scores and, high oxygen need at baseline was found to be associated with mortality, in patients with CDH. Among survivors, the median duration of hospitalization was 23 (14-35) days. Chronic gastrointestinal, pulmonary disorders and, failure to thrive were the most comorbid conditions after discharge.Discussion And Conclusion: KDH still has high mortality and morbidity. The birth of patients with prenatal diagnosis at appropriate centers will increase their chances of successful intervention.