Associated malformations in congenital diaphragmatic hernia cases in the last 15 years in a tertiary referral institute

Successful on-ECLS Repair of CDH and Omphalocele in a Newborn

Both congenital diaphragmatic hernias (CDHs) and omphaloceles show relevant overall mortality rates as individual findings. The combination of the two has been described only sparsely in the literature and almost always with a fatal course. Here, we describe a term neonate with a rare high-risk constellation of left-sided CDH and a large omphalocele who was successfully treated on extracorporeal life support (ECLS). Prenatally, the patient was diagnosed with a large omphalocele and a left CDH with a lung volume of ∼27% and an observed to expected lung-to-head ratio of 30%. Due to respiratory insufficiency, an ECLS device was implanted. As weaning from ECLS was not foreseeable, the female infant underwent successful surgery on ECLS on the ninth day of life. Perioperative high-frequency oscillatory ventilation and circulatory and coagulation management under point-of-care monitoring were the main anesthesiological challenges. Over the following 3 days, ECLS weaning was successful, and the patient was extubated after another 43 days. Surgical treatment on ECLS can expand the spectrum of therapy in high-risk constellations if potential risks are minimized and there is close interdisciplinary cooperation.

Prenatal diagnosis of laryngo-tracheo-esophageal anomalies in fetuses with congenital diaphragmatic hernia by ultrasound evaluation of the vocal cords and fetal laryngoesophagoscopy

BACKGROUND

To evaluate the incidence of laryngeal ultrasound (US) abnormalities in fetuses with congenital diaphragmatic hernia (CDH) and to assess the utility of fetal laryngoesophagoscopy for prenatal diagnosis of laryngo-tracheo-esophageal anomalies.

STUDY DESIGN

A cohort of CDH fetuses with laryngeal ultrasound abnormalities were selected for diagnostic fetal laringoesophagoscopy in a single fetal surgery center at Queretaro, Mexico.

RESULTS

During the study period, 210 CDH fetuses were evaluated. US examination of the vocal cords was successfully performed in all fetuses, and abnormal ultrasound findings were observed in four cases (1.9%). Fetal laringoesophagoscopy was successfully performed in all four cases at a median gestational age of 29.5 (range, 28.1-30.6) weeks. During fetal intervention, a laryngo-tracheo-esophageal cleft (TEC) extending from the larynx to the carina (type IV) was endoscopically visualized in three cases, and laryngeal atresia coexisting with TEC was confirmed in the remaining case. Fetal karyotype was normal in all cases, but abnormal chromosomal microarray analysis was reported in two cases (50%). All cases were delivered liveborn with severe respiratory failure presenting cardiac arrest and immediate neonatal death.

CONCLUSIONS

Laryngeal anomalies in CDH fetuses can be presumed by ultrasound evaluation of the vocal cords and confirmed by fetal laryngoesophagoscopy during pregnancy.

Congenital heart disease associated with congenital diaphragmatic hernia: A systematic review on incidence, prenatal diagnosis, management, and outcome

PURPOSE

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the impact of congenital heart disease (CHD) on infants with congenital diaphragmatic hernia (CDH).

METHODS

Using a defined search strategy (PubMed, Cochrane, Embase, Web of Science MeSH headings), we searched studies reporting the incidence, management, and outcome of CDH infants born with associated CHD.

RESULTS

Of 6410 abstracts, 117 met criteria. Overall, out of 28,974 babies with CDH, 4427 (15%) had CHD, of which 42% were critical. CDH repair was performed in a lower proportion of infants with CHD (72%) than in those without (85%; p < 0.0001). Compared to CDH babies without CHD, those born with a cardiac lesion were more likely to have a patch repair (45% vs. 30%; p < 0.01) and less likely to undergo minimally invasive surgery (5% vs. 17%; p < 0.0001). CDH babies with CHD had a lower survival rate than those without CHD (52 vs. 73%; p < 0.001). Survival was even lower (32%) in babies with critical CHD.

CONCLUSION

CHD has a strong impact on the management and outcome of infants with CDH. The combination of CDH and CHD results in lower survival than those without CHD or an isolated cardiac defect. Further studies are needed to address some specific aspects of the management of this fragile CDH cohort.

TYPE OF STUDY

Systematic review and meta-analysis.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Level III.

Clinical profile and outcome of neonates with congenital diaphragmatic hernia: A 16-year experience from a developing country

Recent advances in the perinatal interventions for neonates with congenital diaphragmatic hernia have remarkably improved the outcome in developed countries, but high mortality for such cases continues to be a challenge in resource-poor settings. This study examines clinical profiles and short-term outcome of neonates with congenital diaphragmatic hernia, using a retrospective analysis of medical records of neonates operated for congenital diaphragmatic hernia at a tertiary care center in North India from January 2001 to December 2016. Forty-two neonates were operated during the study period with male:female ratio = 1.6:1. Postoperative survival rate was 69% (29/42). Average birth weight in the survivors was 2528±267 g as compared with 2132±309 g in the non-survivors. The average gestational age in the two groups was 37.2±0.8 weeks and 34.8±1.8 weeks respectively. Twenty-one patients presented in the initial 48 h of life, out of them 52% (11/21) survived. Congenital heart diseases were associated with seven and malrotation of the gut in five neonates. The most significant factors resulting in the unfavorable outcome were preterm gestation, low birth weight, hypothermia and shock at presentation, the onset of symptoms <48 h of life, liver-up, need of postoperative inotropes and mechanical ventilation. In addition to establishing advanced therapeutic modalities, good antenatal screening, better awareness in peripheral health workers about the malformation leading to timely referral, well-equipped inter-hospital and intra-hospital transport facilities and development of level III neonatal intensive care units can improve survival in neonates with congenital diaphragmatic hernia in developing countries.

Improved Outcomes in Management of Hypoplastic Left Heart Syndrome Associated With Congenital Diaphragmatic Hernia: an Algorithmic Approach

Hypoplastic left heart syndrome (HLHS) is the second most common congenital heart disease associated with congenital diaphragmatic hernia (CDH). The reported survival rate of neonates with CDH and HLHS is only 1%-5%. We review our experience with CDH and HLHS and compare our outcomes with published literature. Retrospective review of all neonates with CDH and HLHS at our institution over a 10-year period was performed. The morphology of cardiac and diaphragm defects, clinical course, treatment strategies, and outcomes were reviewed, and an algorithmic approach was proposed. Five patients with CDH and HLHS were treated between 2006 and 2016. All had mitral stenosis with aortic stenosis. Four patients had a left-sided Bochdalek diaphragmatic hernia and 1 patient had a large bilateral Morgagni hernia. Two (2/4) of the Bochdalek hernias were associated with significant pulmonary hypoplasia and required patch closure of the CDH; both were palliated with percutaneous ductal stents and both died. Three patients underwent primary Norwood operation followed by repair of less severe CDH defect. All 3 patients are currently well and have survived bidirectional Glenn anastomosis; one patient is well after Fontan operation. Successful palliation of neonates with HLHS and associated CDH is possible in the current era. Outcome is determined primarily by the severity of the CDH and the degree of associated pulmonary hypoplasia. An algorithmic team approach is helpful in management of this difficult group of patients.

Congenital diaphragmatic hernia after exposure to a triple retinoic acid antagonist during pregnancy

AIM

To establish a mouse model for the study of congenital defects, using exposure of pregnant females to the teratogen BMS-189453, a multiple retinoic acid competitive antagonist.We found not less than 60% of fetuses had transposition of the great arteries and l5% had other congenital heart defects such as double outlet right ventricle, tetralogy of Fallot, truncus and right aortic arch. Newborns exposed in utero to BMS-189453 were affected by thymus aplasia or hypoplasia, and severe congenital anomalies of the central nervous system due to neural tube defects. An anterior rotation of the right lung was also frequently present in our model. We also report a case of murine congenital diaphragmatic hernia associated with thymic aplasia and transposition of the great arteries.

CONCLUSION

These findings support the hypothesis that the combination of diaphragmatic hernia and congenital heart defects may be related to an alteration of the retinoic acid signaling pathways.

Rare combination of left-sided congenital diaphragmatic hernia and omphalocele

We reported a rare case of left-sided posterolateral congenital diaphragmatic hernia (CDH) and omphalocele, which is not associated with chromosomal abnormalities or other syndromes. Omphalocele was detected antenatally (CDH was not detected in antenatal ultrasound). The patient suffered from respiratory failure secondary to severe pulmonary hypertension. As the combination of CDH and omphalocele is rare and with the abdominal content herniating into the omphalocele instead of the thorax, antenatal diagnosis of such condition can be difficult. Unlike other reported cases in the literature, our patient's respiratory condition has been improving with time and is surviving beyond the infancy period. We believe this to be the first such survival case reported in the literature.

Coexistence of congenital diaphragmatic hernia and abdominal wall closure defect with chromosomal abnormality: two case reports

BACKGROUND

We reported two rare cases of congenital diaphragmatic hernia with abdominal wall closure defect, which were not associated with septum transversum diaphragmatic defects or Fryns syndrome.

CASE PRESENTATION

Case 1: a Japanese baby boy was delivered at 37 weeks' gestation by urgent cesarean section because of the diagnosis of severe fetal distress. Congenital diaphragmatic hernia with omphalocele was prenatally diagnosed with fetal ultrasound. A ruptured omphalocele was confirmed at delivery. A silo was established on the day of his birth; direct closure of his diaphragmatic defect and abdominal wall closure was performed on the fifth day after his birth. Trisomy 13 was confirmed by genetic examination. His postoperative course was uneventful and he was discharged 5 months postnatally with home oxygen therapy. He was readmitted because of heart failure and died at 6 months. Case 2: a Japanese baby boy, who was prenatally diagnosed with gastroschisis, was delivered at 35 weeks' gestation by urgent cesarean section because of the diagnosis of fetal distress. Silo construction using a wound retractor was performed on the day of his birth and direct abdominal closure was performed on the tenth day after his birth. Trisomy 21 was confirmed by genetic examination. Treatment for his respiratory distress was continued after surgery. A retrosternal hernia was revealed at 6 months and direct closure of retrosternal diaphragm with the resection of hernia sac was performed. His postoperative course was uneventful and he was discharged with home oxygen therapy.

CONCLUSIONS

Attention should be paid to chromosomal abnormality in cases in which the coexistence of congenital diaphragmatic hernia and abdominal wall closure defect are observed.

A twenty-year review of early and late-presenting congenital Bochdalek diaphragmatic hernia: are they different clinical spectra?

BACKGROUND

Congenital Bochdalek diaphragmatic hernia (CDH) is easily recognized if it is present shortly after birth. However, cases of delayed CDH presentation are more subtle and therefore less easily diagnosed.

METHODS

We retrospectively analyzed 85 patients who were under 18 and diagnosed with CDH between June 1987 and May 2007. Those diagnosed before 1 month of age were categorized as having early-presenting CDH and those diagnosed after 1 month were categorized as having late-presenting CDH.

RESULTS

Of the 85 cases, 68 (80%) were early-presenting and 17 (20%) were late-presenting CDH. Respiratory symptoms were more common in early-presenting CDH, while gastrointestinal complaints were more dominant in the late-presenting group, particularly in patients with left diaphragmatic defects. Late-presenting CDH, which was more likely to be associated with chronic gastrointestinal symptoms, was associated with a lower mortality than acute early-presenting CDH with respiratory symptoms, despite the more prompt diagnosis of the latter. The small bowel was the organ most commonly herniated into the thorax. Congenital heart disease was the most commonly associated malformation, but the presence of associated anomalies did not increase mortality.

CONCLUSION

Early-presenting CDH shows acute symptoms, is readily diagnosed, and requires prompt intervention to prevent death. In contrast, late-presenting CDH shows more subtle symptoms and is more difficult to diagnose. Although the late-presenting CHD has better prognosis, it still requires surgery intervention to alleviate the symptoms. Clinicians must maintain a high index of suspicion for CDH, regardless of its presentation.

Timing of delivery and survival rates for infants with prenatal diagnoses of congenital diaphragmatic hernia

OBJECTIVES

The goal of the study was to test the hypothesis that infants with known congenital diaphragmatic hernias born at early term gestation (37-38 weeks) rather than later (39-41 weeks) had greater survival rates and less extracorporeal membrane oxygenation use. Primary outcomes were survival to hospital discharge or transfer and extracorporeal membrane oxygenation use. METHODS; A retrospective cohort study of term infants with prenatal diagnoses of congenital diaphragmatic hernia was performed with the Congenital Diaphragmatic Hernia Study Group Registry of patients with congenital diaphragmatic hernias who were treated between January 1995 and December 2006.

RESULTS

Among 628 term infants at 37 to 41 weeks of gestation who had prenatal diagnoses of congenital diaphragmatic hernia and were free of major associated anomalies, early term birth (37 vs 39-41 weeks) and greater birth weight were associated independently with survival, whereas black race was related inversely to survival. Infants born at early term with birth weights at or above the group mean (3.1 kg) had the greatest survival rate (80%). Among infants born through elective cesarean delivery, infants born at 37 to 38 weeks of gestation, compared with 39 to 41 weeks, had less use of extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (22.0% vs 35.5%) and a trend toward a greater survival rate (75.0% vs 65.8%).

CONCLUSIONS

The timing of delivery is an independent, potentially important factor in the consideration of elective delivery for infants diagnosed prenatally as having congenital diaphragmatic hernias. Among fetuses with prenatally diagnosed congenital diaphragmatic hernias and without major associated anomalies, early term delivery may confer advantage.

Maternal nickel exposure and congenital musculoskeletal defects

OBJECTIVE

To investigate whether women occupationally exposed to nickel in early pregnancy are at elevated risk of delivering a newborn with a malformation or deformation of the musculoskeletal system (ICD-10: Q65-Q79).

METHODS

Data about the newborn, maternal occupation and workplace were obtained using the Kola Birth Register (KBR). Each record in the KBR was assigned a categorical nickel (Ni) exposure rating according to the occupation the delivering woman had at the time of becoming pregnant. This was achieved by using as a guideline the water-soluble Ni subfraction of the inhalable aerosol fraction obtained by personal monitoring for nickel- and copper-refinery workers or/and measured urinary-Ni concentrations. The reference population was delivering women from the source population with background exposure level. In total, the study population consisted of 22,965 births.

RESULTS

Three hundred and four infants (13.3/1,000 births; 95% confidence interval (CI): 11.9-14.7) were diagnosed with isolated musculoskeletal defect(s) at birth. The adjusted odds ratio for the association between the maternal exposure to Ni and this outcome was 0.96 (95% CI: 0.76-1.21) per unit increase in exposure category.

CONCLUSION

The incidence of defects in the musculoskeletal system at birth was high, especially for feet deformities, but we found no effect of maternal exposure to water-soluble Ni on the risk of delivering a newborn with a defect. However, the incidence among women working in the copper refinery was higher than in the other employment groups.

Management of congenital diaphragmatic hernia

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

To evaluate the impact of recent research on the management of congenital diaphragmatic hernia in the light of new theories on embryological development, earlier antenatal diagnosis, fetal and postnatal interventions together with advances in perinatal intensive care.

RECENT FINDINGS

The year 2007 provided in excess of 200 publications that address various aspects of congenital diaphragmatic hernia. The genetic basis and the causes of pulmonary hypoplasia at the molecular level are slowly being unravelled. Fetal MRI of lung volume, lung-head ratio, liver position and size of diaphragmatic defect have all been evaluated as early predictors of outcome and with a view to prenatal counselling. The impact of fetal interventions such as fetal endoluminal tracheal occlusion, the mode of delivery, the surgical techniques and agents for treating pulmonary hypertension were evaluated. The influence of associated anomalies and therapeutic interventions on the outcome and quality of life of survivors continue to be appraised.

SUMMARY

Deferred surgery after stabilization with gentle ventilation and reversal of pulmonary hypertension remain the cornerstones of management. Optimal presurgery and postsurgery ventilatory settings remain unproven. Continued improvement in neonatal intensive care raises the bar against which any intervention such as fetal endoluminal tracheal occlusion and extracorporeal membrane oxygenation will be judged.

Redefining outcomes in right congenital diaphragmatic hernia

PURPOSE

Available data comparing the management and outcome of right-sided (R-CDH) vs left-sided congenital diaphragmatic hernia (L-CDH) are inconsistent. Large-volume CDH studies are limited by small numbers of R-CDH or are confounded by compilations from multiple institutions with multiple treatment strategies. Consequently, they are underpowered to draw conclusions. To define the behavior and outcomes of R-CDH better, we report the largest single-institution series of R-CDH and ask if factors traditionally linked to poor prognosis in L-CDH were applicable to R-CDH.

METHODS

We reviewed a single institution's experience with 267 consecutive evaluable neonates with unilateral CDH repaired from 1990 to 2006, with specific focus on R-CDH. chi(2) tests were performed for disease-related categorical variables. Two-tailed unpaired t tests were used for continuous variables. Factors associated with morbidity and survival were determined by univariate regression. Statistical significance was set at P < .05.

RESULTS

Forty right-sided (15%) and 227 (85%) left-sided cases of CDH were identified. Prenatal diagnosis was made in 20 right-sided vs 170 left-sided defects (50% vs 75%, P < .01). Survival was 22 of 40 in R-CDH compared with 175 of 227 in L-CDH (55% vs 77%, P < .01). Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation was required in 16 right-sided and 33 left-sided cases (40% vs 15%, P < .001). A diaphragmatic patch was used in 22 of 29 right-sided compared with 82 of 199 left-sided repairs (76% vs 41%, P < .01); rates of abdominal wall prosthesis were also higher in right-sided hernias (38% vs 19%, P < .05). No differences were detected in right-sided vs left-sided recurrences (14% vs 8%, P = .38), mean time from birth to operation (5.3 vs 4.8 days, P = .80), or presence of cardiac anomalies (15% vs 12%, P = .63). Morbidity persisting beyond 6 months of age was present in 16 of 22 R-CDH survivors compared with 76 of 175 L-CDH survivors (73% vs 43%, P > .05). Among R-CDHs, prenatal diagnosis was the only factor to predict survival by univariate regression (P < .01). Use of a prosthesis in the diaphragm (P < .05) for R-CDH repair correlated with morbidity.

CONCLUSION

Although previous reports suggest that associated anomalies, need for extracorporeal membrane oxygenation, and time to repair can influence L-CDH survival, these data do not support extrapolation to R-CDH survival. Right-sided CDH carries a disproportionately high morbidity and mortality. Prenatal diagnosis was the only factor predictive of R-CDH survival. Morbidity may correlate with use of prosthetic material for R-CDH repair. Right-sided CDH is a unique disease that may require a modified antenatal consultation.

Congenital diaphragmatic hernia

The incidence of congenital diaphragmatic hernia (CDH) may be as high as 1 in 2000. Over the past two decades, antenatal diagnosis rates have increased, the pathophysiology of CDH has become better understood, and advances in clinical care, including foetal surgery, have occurred. However, there remains a paucity of randomised controlled trials to provide evidence-based management guidelines. Reports of improved survival rates appear to be confined to a select subset of CDH infants, surviving to surgical repair, while the overall mortality, at over 60%, appears to be unchanged, largely due to the often forgotten 'hidden mortality' of CDH. The significant long-term morbidity in surviving infants has become apparent, and the need for long-term multidisciplinary follow up established. A total of 10% of cases may present later in life, and misdiagnosis on initial chest X-ray may lead to significant morbidity.

Linking animal models to human congenital diaphragmatic hernia

BACKGROUND

Congenital diaphragmatic hernia (CDH) is a major life-threatening malformation, occurring in approximately 1 in 3,000 live births. Over the years, different animal models have been used to gain insight into the etiology of this complex congenital anomaly and to develop treatment strategies. However, to date the pathogenic mechanism is still not understood, and treatment remains difficult because of the associated pulmonary hypoplasia and pulmonary hypertension.

METHODS

In this review, data available from several animal models will be discussed. The retinoic acid signaling pathway (RA pathway, retinoid pathway) will be addressed as a developmental pathway that is potentially disrupted in the pathogenesis of CDH. Furthermore, genetic factors involved in diaphragm and lung development will be discussed.

CONCLUSIONS

With this review article, we aim to provide a concise overview of the current most important experimental genetic data available in the field of CDH.

Congenital diaphragmatic hernia and associated cardiovascular malformations: type, frequency, and impact on management

The co-occurrence of congenital diaphragmatic hernia (CDH) and cardiovascular malformations (CVMs) has important clinical, genetic, and developmental implications. Previous examinations of this topic often included patients with genetic syndromes. To correct this potential bias, we undertook an extensive review of the literature and obtained new data. The frequency of CVMs associated with isolated CDH was 11-15%. A careful analysis of CVMs indicates that atrial and ventricular septal defects, conotruncal defects, and left ventricular outflow tract obstructive defects were the most common type of CVMs, but proportional to the frequency of occurrence in the general population. The combination of CVM and CDH results in a poorer prognosis than would be expected with either malformation alone. However, the impact on survival from patients with a genetic syndrome has not been consistently evaluated. We encourage researchers to re-analyze existing series and recommend that future studies distinguish isolated CDH from that which is associated with other malformations, especially as part of genetic syndromes. Therapies should be tailored to maximize cardiac output and systemic oxygen delivery rather than systemic oxygen saturation alone. Although there is speculation about the frequency with which isolated left ventricular "hypoplasia" occurs in patients with CDH, we suggest it results from compression of a pre-load deficient left ventricle by the hypertensive right ventricle, and unlike true hypoplasia, is reversible. Irrespective of the type of severity of CVMs in patients with CDH, the degree of pulmonary hypoplasia and pulmonary vascular disease predicts outcome.

Prenatal detection and outcome of congenital diaphragmatic hernia (CDH) associated with deletion of chromosome 15q26: Two patients and review of the literature

Congenital diaphragmatic hernia (CDH) is a severe birth defect characterized by a defect in the diaphragm with pulmonary hypoplasia and postnatal pulmonary hypertension. Approximately 50% of CDH cases are associated with other non-pulmonary congenital anomalies (so called non-isolated CDH) and in 5-10% of cases there is a chromosomal etiology. The majority of CDH cases are detected prenatally. In some cases prenatal chromosome analysis reveals a causative chromosomal anomaly, most often aneuploidy. Deletion of 15q26 is the most frequently described structural chromosomal aberration in patients with non-isolated CDH. In this paper we report on two patients with a deletion of 15q26 and phenotypes similar to other patients with CDH caused by 15q26 deletions. This phenotype consists of intra-uterine growth retardation, left-sided CDH, cardiac anomalies and characteristic facial features, similar to those seen in Fryns syndrome. We propose that when this combination of birth defects is identified, either pre- or postnatally, further investigations to confirm or exclude a deletion of 15q26 are indicated, since the diagnosis of this deletion will have major consequences for the prognosis and, therefore, can affect decision making.