Congenital diaphragmatic hernia: a 3-years experience in a single center

Abstract

Background: This study aimed to retrospectively analyze of our experience in congenital diaphragmatic hernia (CDH) patients in our department during a 3 year period. Patients and Methods: A retrospective study of of all CDH infants managed in our Neonatal and Pediatric Surgery department between July 2009 and July 2012. Prenatal and maternal as well as perinatal and neonatal data were collected, including outcome parameters. Results: Total 36 babies were studied. The mean birth weight of the patients was 2,300 g and the mean gestational age was 37 weeks. The mean admission time for the patients was 72 hours. Major congenital anomaly was present in 11%. The mortality rate was 25%, comprising four deaths before operation and five after operation. Prenatal diagnosis babies, delay in diagnosis due to late referral, earlier gestational age at birth, lower birth weight, who required pre operative ventilator support and major congenital anomalies mainly cardiac anomalies were associated with high mortality rate. Conclusion: Our data suggest a higher survival rate. We speculate that today s cases of congenital diaphragmatic hernia are probably milder than in the past due to earlier and more detailed prenatal diagnosis and subsequent termination of pregnancies for the more severe forms of the disorder.