Perinatal factors associated with poor neurocognitive outcome in early school age congenital diaphragmatic hernia survivors

Brain development in newborns and infants after ECMO

BACKGROUND

Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) not only significantly improves survival rates in severely ill neonates but also is associated with long-term neurodevelopmental issues. To systematically review the available literature on the neurodevelopmental outcomes of neonates and infants who have undergone ECMO treatment, with a focus on motor deficits, cognitive impairments, sensory impairments, and developmental delays. This review aims to understand the incidence, prevalence, and risk factors for these problems and to explore current nursing care and management strategies.

DATA SOURCES

A comprehensive literature search was performed across PubMed, EMBASE, and Web of Science using a wide array of keywords and phrases pertaining to ECMO, neonates, infants, and various facets of neurodevelopment. The initial screening involved reviewing titles and abstracts to exclude irrelevant articles, followed by a full-text assessment of potentially relevant literature. The quality of each study was evaluated based on its research methodology and statistical analysis. Moreover, citation searches were conducted to identify potentially overlooked studies. Although the focus was primarily on neonatal ECMO, studies involving children and adults were also included due to the limited availability of neonate-specific literature.

RESULTS

About 50% of neonates post-ECMO treatment exhibit varying degrees of brain injury, particularly in the frontal and temporoparietal white matter regions, often accompanied by neurological complications. Seizures occur in 18%-23% of neonates within the first 24 hours, and bleeding events occur in 27%-60% of ECMO procedures, with up to 33% potentially experiencing ischemic strokes. Although some studies suggest that ECMO may negatively impact hearing and visual development, other studies have found no significant differences; hence, the influence of ECMO remains unclear. In terms of cognitive, language, and intellectual development, ECMO treatment may be associated with potential developmental delays, including lower composite scores in cognitive and motor functions, as well as potential language and learning difficulties. These studies emphasize the importance of early detection and intervention of potential developmental issues in ECMO survivors, possibly necessitating the implementation of a multidisciplinary follow-up plan that includes regular neuromotor and psychological evaluations. Overall, further multicenter, large-sample, long-term follow-up studies are needed to determine the impact of ECMO on these developmental aspects.

CONCLUSIONS

The impact of ECMO on an infant's nervous system still requires further investigation with larger sample sizes for validation. Fine-tuned management, comprehensive nursing care, appropriate patient selection, proactive monitoring, nutritional support, and early rehabilitation may potentially contribute to improving the long-term outcomes for these infants.

Comorbidities and Late Outcomes in Neonatal Pulmonary Hypertension

Long-term outcomes of persistent pulmonary hypertension of newborn (PPHN) depend on disease severity, duration of ventilation, and associated anomalies. Congenital diaphragmatic hernia survivors may have respiratory morbidities and developmental delay. The presence of PPHN is associated with increased mortality in hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy, though the effects on neurodevelopment are less clear. Preterm infants can develop pulmonary hypertension (PH) early in the postnatal course or later in the setting of bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD). BPD-PH is associated with higher mortality, particularly within the first year. Evidence suggests that both early and late PH in preterm infants are associated with neurodevelopmental impairment.

Risk factors for and developmental relation of delayed oral nutrition in infants with congenital diaphragmatic hernia

PURPOSE

To identify risk factors for delayed oral nutrition in infants with a congenital diaphragmatic hernia (CDH) and its impact on developmental delay at 18 months of age.

METHODS

This retrospective single-center cohort study compared the clinical parameters in patients with isolated CDH born and treated at our hospital between 2006 and 2020. We evaluated clinical features significantly related to delayed oral nutrition (defined as taking ≥ 30 days from weaning from mechanical ventilation to weaning from tube feeding).

RESULTS

Twenty-six of the 80 cases had delayed oral nutrition. Univariate analyses showed significant differences. Multivariate analyses were performed on the three items of preterm delivery, defect size (over 50% to nearly entire defect), and ventilation for ≥ 9 days. We identified the latter two items as independent risk factors. The adjusted odds ratios were 4.65 (95% confidence interval, 1.27-7.03) and 6.02 (1.65-21.90), respectively. Delayed oral nutrition was related to a significantly higher probability of developmental delay at 18 months (crude odds ratio 4.16, 1.19-14.5).

CONCLUSION

In patients with CDH, a large defect and ventilatory management over 9 days are independent risk factors for delayed oral nutrition, which is a potent predictor of developmental delay that requires active developmental care.

Neuropsychological outcome in survivors of congenital diaphragmatic hernia at 5 years of age, what does it tell?

Previous studies have frequently reported neurocognitive deficits in children born with congenital diaphragmatic hernia (CDH) at school age, which may contribute to academic difficulties. Yet, age at onset of these deficits is currently unknown. We evaluated neurocognitive skills with possible determinants in preschool children born with CDH. Eligible 5-year-old children born with CDH (2010-2015) who participated in our prospective structural follow-up program were included. We used the WPPSI-III to assess intelligence, subtests of the Kaufman-ABC for memory, and NEPSY-II to assess inhibition and attention. We included 63 children. Their test scores generally were within or significantly above normal range: total IQ = 103.4 (15.7) (p = 0.13); Verbal memory = 10.2 (2.8) (p = 0.61); Visuospatial memory = 11.4 (2.6) (p < 0.01); Inhibition = 10.5 (2.2), (p = 0.10). In univariable analyses, length of ICU-stay was negatively associated with IQ, and maximum vasoactive inotropic score and open repair were negatively associated with inhibition skills. In multivariable regression analysis, the latter association remained (B = 5.52, p = 0.04 (CI 0.32-10.72)).   Conclusions: In these tested 5-year-old children born with CDH, neuropsychological outcome was normal on average. While problems in 8-year-olds are common, we did not detect onset of these problems at age 5. Yet, we cannot rule out that this cohort had a relatively mild level of disease severity; therefore, conclusions should be interpreted with caution. However, given the growing-into-deficit hypothesis, meaning that deviant brain development in early life is revealed once higher cognitive brain functions are demanded, follow-up should be conducted up to school age, and preferably beyond. What is Known: • Children born with CDH are at risk for academic difficulties at school age. • Whether these difficulties can be detected already before school age is unknown. What is New: • At age 5 years, intelligence, inhibition, attention, and memory skills were all within normal range, or even above, in children with CDH. This is supportive of the growing-into-deficit hypothesis in this patient population. • Those who underwent open surgical correction had poorer inhibition skills than those who were corrected with minimal access surgery.

School age educational outcomes of infants born with congenital diaphragmatic hernia

BACKGROUND

To compare academic proficiency among children with congenital diaphragmatic hernia (CDH) versus controls and identify predictors of academic performance among children with CDH.

METHODS

Infants born with CDH in Arkansas, 2000-2005, were identified from the Arkansas Reproductive Health Monitoring System. For each case, two controls were selected from birth certificate data and matched for hospital and month of birth, sex, and race/ethnicity. Data on re-hospitalization within the first 5 years and payer data were collected from the Arkansas Hospital Inpatient Discharge database. Surviving cases and controls were linked to the Arkansas Department of Education database. Primary outcomes were odds of proficiency on fourth grade literacy and mathematics achievement tests. Multivariable logistic regression models evaluated the association between study characteristics and academic proficiency.

RESULTS

The final study cohort included 25 surviving CDH cases and 31 controls who were linked to their education data. After adjusting for differences in characteristics (5-min Apgar score and associated congenital anomalies) between cases and controls, there were no statistically significant differences in literacy (72% vs. 84%, p = .93) or mathematics (64% vs. 81%, p = .98) test proficiency between the two groups. In multivariable analyses, among CDH cases, oxygen at discharge and Medicaid payer/longer hospital stay were associated with worse fourth grade literacy and mathematics proficiency, respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

Oxygen at discharge, Medicaid payer, and longer hospital stay were associated with lower academic performance among CDH cases.

Cost-effectiveness analysis of extended extracorporeal membrane oxygenation duration in newborns with congenital diaphragmatic hernia in the United States

BACKGROUND

The duration of extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) has been historically confined in many centers to two weeks. We evaluated the cost-effectiveness of additional weeks on ECMO beyond two weeks for newborns with congenital diaphragmatic hernia (CDH) who may require longer stays to maximize survival potential.

METHODS

We modeled lifetime outcomes using a decision tree from the US societal perspective. Survival at discharge, probability of long-term sequelae, direct medical costs, indirect costs, and quality-adjusted life years (QALY) for long-term disability were considered. Considering the nature of severity of CDH, we used $200,000 per QALY as the willingness-to-pay threshold in the base case.

RESULTS

The lifetime costs per CDH infant generated from staying on ECMO for ≤2 weeks, 2-3 weeks, and >3 weeks are $473,334, $654,771, $1,007,476, respectively (2018 USD), and the total QALYs gained from each treatment arm are 1.83, 3.6, and 5.05. In the base case, the net monetary benefits are -$108,034 for ECMO ≤2 weeks, $64,258 for 2-3 weeks, and $2955 for >3 weeks. In probabilistic simulations, a duration of ≤2 weeks is dominated by a duration of 2-3 weeks in 65.3% of cases and dominated by > 3 weeks in 60.2% of cases. A duration of 2-3 weeks is more cost-effective than >3 weeks in 68.6% of simulations.

CONCLUSION

Our findings suggest that 2-3 weeks of ECMO may be the most cost-effective for CDH infants that are unable to wean off at 2 weeks from the US societal perspective. Regardless of ECMO duration, ECMO use generates positive incremental NMB at WTP of $200,000 if the survival probability is greater than 0.3. Future research must be conducted to evaluate the long-term outcomes and sequelae of CDH patients post-discharge to better inform the clinical decision-making in neonatal intensive care unit.

Unsolved problems in CDH follow-up

In patients affected by CDH, survival beyond the neonatal period continues to increase thanks to technological and pharmacological improvements. Conversely, patients, families and caregivers are more and more frequently facing "new" complex late comorbidities, including chronic pulmonary and cardiac dysfunctions, neurodevelopmental challenges, and specific nutritional requirements, that often require ongoing long-term medical or surgical care. Therefore, late morbidity is now a key focus in clinical care of CDH. The aims of this paper are to stress some of the most important "unsolved problems" for CDH patients at long-term follow-up.

Extracorporeal Life Support Organization (ELSO) Guidelines for Follow-up After Neonatal and Pediatric Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation

Neonates and children who have survived critical illness severe enough to require extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) are at risk for neurologic insults, neurodevelopmental delays, worsening of underlying medical conditions, and development of new medical comorbidities. Structured neurodevelopmental follow-up is recommended for early identification and prompt interventions of any neurodevelopmental delays. Even children who initially survive this critical illness without new medical or neurologic deficits remain at risk of developing new morbidities/delays at least through adolescence, highlighting the importance of structured follow-up by personnel knowledgeable in the sequelae of critical illness and ECMO. Structured follow-up should be multifaceted, beginning predischarge and continuing as a coordinated effort after discharge through adolescence. Predischarge efforts should consist of medical and neurologic evaluations, family education, and co-ordination of long-term ECMO care. After discharge, programs should recommend a compilation of pediatric care, disease-specific care for underlying or acquired conditions, structured ECMO/neurodevelopmental care including school performance, parental education, and support. Institutionally, regionally, and internationally available resources will impact the design of individual center's follow-up program. Additionally, neurodevelopmental testing will need to be culturally and lingually appropriate for centers' populations. Thus, ECMO centers should adapt follow-up program to their specific populations and resources with the predischarge and postdischarge components described here.

Neurodevelopmental outcomes in children with isolated congenital diaphragmatic hernia: A systematic review and meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

Congenital diaphragmatic hernia (CDH) reportedly has neurologic consequences in childhood however little is known about the impact in isolated CDH.

AIMS

Herein we aimed to describe the risk of neurodevelopmental complications in children born with isolated CDH.

MATERIALS & METHODS

We systematically reviewed literature for reports on the neurological outcome of infants born with isolated CDH. The primary outcome was neurodevelopmental delay. Secondary outcomes included, motor skills, intelligence, vision, hearing, language and behavior abnormalities.

RESULTS

Thirteen out of 87 (15%) studies reported on isolated CDH, including 2624 out of 24,146 children. Neurodevelopmental delay was investigated in four studies and found to be present in 16% (3-34%) of children. This was mainly attributed to motor problems in 13% (2-30%), whereas cognitive dysfunction only in 5% (0-20%) and hearing in 3% (1-7%). One study assessed the effect of fetal surgery. When both isolated and non-isolated children were included, these numbers were higher.

DISCUSSION

This systematic review demonstrates that only a minority of studies focused on isolated CDH, with neurodevelopmental delay present in 16% of children born with CDH.

CONCLUSION

To accurately counsel patients, more research should focus on isolated CDH cases and examine children that underwent fetal surgery.

Neurodevelopmental impairment in children with congenital diaphragmatic hernia: Not an uncommon complication for survivors

PURPOSE

To evaluate neurodevelopmental impairment (NDI) in children born with congenital diaphragmatic hernia (CDH).

METHODS

Using a defined search strategy, a systematic review was conducted to define the incidence and types of NDI, to report abnormal neuroimaging findings and to evaluate possible NDI predictors. A meta-analysis was performed on comparative studies reporting risk factors for NDI, using RevMan 5.3.

RESULTS

Of 3541 CDH children (33 studies), 829 (23%) had NDI, with a higher incidence in CDH survivors who received ECMO treatment (49%) vs. those who had no ECMO (22%; p<0.00001). NDI included neuromuscular hypotonia (42%), hearing (13%) and visual (8%) impairment, neurobehavioral issues (20%), and learning difficulties (31%). Of 288 survivors that had postnatal neuroimaging, 49% had abnormal findings. The main risk factors for NDI were severe pulmonary hypoplasia, large defect size, ECMO use.

CONCLUSIONS

NDI is a relevant problem for CDH survivors, affecting 1 in 4. The spectrum of NDI covers all developmental domains and ranges from motor and sensory (hearing, visual) deficits to cognitive, language, and behavioral impairment. Further studies should be designed to better understand the pathophysiology of NDI in CDH children and to longitudinally monitor infants born with CDH to correct risk factors that can be modifiable.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Level III.

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.

Health-related quality of life, educational and family outcomes in survivors of congenital diaphragmatic hernia

PURPOSE

Congenital diaphragmatic hernia (CDH) survivors experience increased risk of medical and neurodevelopmental challenges. This study describes the health-related quality of life (HRQOL), special education utilization and the family impact among neonatal CDH survivors.

METHODS

A single-center prospective cohort of CDH survivors born between 1995 and 2006 was followed. Parents completed the PedsQL HRQOL index and a Family Impact survey to assess the need for medical equipment, home health services, and special education and quantify the burden placed on the family by their child's medical needs.

RESULTS

Parents of 32 survivors participated at a mean survivor age of 8 ± 4 years. Many survivors utilized medical equipment (62%), home health services (18%) and special education (28%). CDH survivor HRQOL (79 ± 17) did not differ significantly from that of healthy children (83 ± 15, p = 0.12). HRQOL was diminished among survivors who required special education (67 ± 8 vs 82 ± 3; p = 0.04) and those reporting increased Family Impact score (p = 0.001).

CONCLUSION

Many CDH survivors continue to require home medical equipment and home health services at school age. Most survivors have normal parent-reported HRQOL; however, the need for special education and higher family impact of neonatal CDH correlates with decreased HRQOL.

Defining outcomes following congenital diaphragmatic hernia using standardised clinical assessment and management plan (SCAMP) methodology within the CDH EURO consortium

Treatment modalities for neonates born with congenital diaphragmatic hernia (CDH) have greatly improved in recent times with a concomitant increase in survival. In 2008, CDH EURO consortium, a collaboration of a large volume of CDH centers in Western Europe, was established with a goal to standardize management and facilitate multicenter research. However, limited knowledge on long-term outcomes restricts the identification of optimal care pathways for CDH survivors in adolescence and adulthood. This review aimed to evaluate the current practice of long-term follow-up within the CDH EURO consortium centers, and to review the literature on long-term outcomes published from 2000 onward. Apart from having disease-specific morbidities, children with CDH are at risk for impaired neurodevelopmental problems and failure of educational attainments which may affect participation in society and the quality of life in later years. Thus, there is every reason to offer them long-term multidisciplinary follow-up programs. We discuss a proposed collaborative project using standardized clinical assessment and management plan (SCAMP) methodology to obtain uniform and standardized follow-up of CDH patients at an international level.

Pumpless arteriovenous extracorporeal membrane oxygenation: A novel mode of respiratory support in a lamb model of congenital diaphragmatic hernia

BACKGROUND

Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) is commonly required in neonates with congenital diaphragmatic hernia (CDH) complicated by pulmonary hypertension (PH). ECMO carries significant risk, and is contraindicated in the setting of extreme prematurity or intracranial hemorrhage. Pumpless arteriovenous ECMO (P-ECMO) may represent an alternative for respiratory support. The present study summarizes our initial experience with P-ECMO in a lamb model of CDH.

STUDY DESIGN

Surgical creation of CDH was performed at 65-75days' gestation. At term (135-145days), lambs were delivered into the P-ECMO circuit. Three animals were maintained on a low-heparin infusion protocol (target ACT 160-180) and three animals were maintained with no systemic heparinization.

RESULTS

Animals were supported by the circuit for 380.7 +/- 145.6h (range, 102-504h). Circuit flow rates ranged from 97 to 208ml/kg/min, with adequacy of organ perfusion demonstrated by stable serum lactate levels (3.0 +/- 1.7) and pH (7.4 +/- 0.3). Necropsy demonstrated no evidence of thrombogenic complications.

CONCLUSION

Pumpless extracorporeal membrane oxygenation achieved support of CDH model lambs for up to three weeks. This therapy has the potential to bridge neonates with decompensated respiratory failure to CDH repair with no requirement for systemic anticoagulation, and may be applicable to patients currently precluded from conventional ECMO support.

Neurologic Outcomes After Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation: A Systematic Review

OBJECTIVES

The goal of this systematic review of the literature was to summarize neurologic outcomes following neonatal and pediatric extracorporeal membrane oxygenation.

DATA SOURCES

We conducted electronic searches of PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, CINAHL, Cochrane, and EMBASE.

STUDY SELECTION

Inclusion criteria included publication dates 2000-2016, patient ages 0-18 years, and use of standardized measures to evaluate outcomes after extracorporeal membrane oxygenation.

DATA EXTRACTION

We identified 3,497 unique citations; 60 full-text articles were included in the final review.

DATA SYNTHESIS

Studies evaluated patients with congenital diaphragmatic hernia (7), cardiac disease (8), cardiac arrest (13), and mixed populations (32). Follow-up was conducted at hospital discharge in 10 studies (17%) and at a median of 26 months (interquartile range, 8-61 mo) after extracorporeal membrane oxygenation in 50 studies (83%). We found 55 outcome measures that assessed overall health and function (4), global cognitive ability (7), development (4), motor function (5), adaptive function (2), behavior/mood (6), hearing (2), quality of life (2), school achievement (5), speech and language (6), learning and memory (4), and attention and executive function (8). Overall, 10% to as many as 50% of children scored more than 2 SDS below the population mean on cognitive testing. Behavior problems were identified in 16-46% of children tested, and severe motor impairment was reported in 12% of children. Quality of life of former extracorporeal membrane oxygenation patients evaluated at school age or adolescence ranged from similar to healthy peers, to 31-53% having scores more than 1 SD below the population mean.

CONCLUSIONS

This systematic review of the literature suggests that children who have undergone extracorporeal membrane oxygenation suffer from a wide range of disabilities. A meta-analysis was not feasible due to heterogeneity in pathologies, outcome measures, and age at follow-up, underscoring the importance of developing and employing a core set of outcomes measures in future extracorporeal membrane oxygenation studies.

Neurodevelopmental outcomes in CDH survivors: A single institution's experience

PURPOSE

Survivors of congenital diaphragmatic hernia (CDH) face high morbidity. We studied the neurodevelopmental outcomes of CDH survivors at a single institution.

METHODS

CDH survivors born July 2006-March 2016 at a free-standing children's hospital were reviewed. Neurodevelopment was assessed using the Peabody Developmental Motor Scales (PDMS-2) broken into gross, fine, and total motor quotients. Data collected included prenatal variables (liver herniation, defect laterality, observed:expected total fetal lung volume (o:eTFLV) on MRI), birth demographics (sex, race, estimated gestational age (EGA), birth weight (BtWt), 5 min APGAR, associated anomalies), and therapies/hospital course (HFOV/HFJV, ECMO, timing of repair, pulmonary hypertension (PHTN) severity, length of stay, ventilator days). Variables were analyzed using mixed linear modeling.

RESULTS

Sixty-eight children were included. Most patients had left-sided CDH (55/68, 81%) without liver herniation (42/68, 62%). ECMO utilization was 25/68 (37%). The mean [95% confidence interval] gross motor quotient for the entire cohort was 87 [84-91], fine motor quotient was 92 [88-96], and total motor quotient was 88 [84-93], representing below average, average, and below average functioning, respectively. o:eTFLV predicted fine motor quotient among prenatal variables. Associated anomalies and ECMO use predicted all quotients in the final model.

CONCLUSIONS

Associated anomalies and ECMO use predict neurodevelopmental delay in CDH survivors.

TYPE OF STUDY

Retrospective observational study; Prognostic.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

II.

Growth trajectory and neurodevelopmental outcome in infants with congenital diaphragmatic hernia

PURPOSE

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the impact of impaired growth on short-term neurodevelopmental (ND) outcomes in CDH survivors.

METHODS

Between 9/2005-12/2014, 84 of 215 (39%) CDH survivors underwent ND assessment at 12months of age using the BSID-III.

RESULTS

Mean cognitive, language, and motor scores were 92.6±13.5, 87.1±11.6, and 87.0±14.4, respectively (normal 100±15). 51% of patients scored 1 SD below the population mean in at least one domain, and 13% scored 2 SD below the population mean. Group-based trajectory analysis identified two trajectory groups ('high' and 'low') for weight, length, and head circumference (HC) z-scores. (Fig. 1) 74% of the subjects were assigned to the 'high' trajectory group for weight, 77% to the 'high' height group, and 87% to the 'high' HC group, respectively. In multivariate analysis, longer NICU stay (p<0.01) was associated with lower cognitive scores. Motor scores were 11 points higher in the 'high' HC group compared to the 'low' HC group (p=0.05). Motor scores were lower in patients with longer NICU length of stay (p<0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

At 1 year, half of CDH survivors had a mild delay in at least one developmental domain. Low HC trajectory was associated with worse neurodevelopmental outcomes.

TYPE OF STUDY

Prognosis Study/Retrospective Study.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Level II.

Long-term morbidity of congenital diaphragmatic hernia: A plea for standardization

Congenital diaphragmatic hernia (CDH) survivors present long-term morbidities in several systems, including the neurodevelopmental, gastrointestinal, pulmonary, and musculoskeletal ones, and CDH long-term sequelae are increasingly being recognized. Due to high co-morbidity, health related quality of life in a significant proportion of CDH patients might be compromised. As a consequence of consciousness on the long-term sequelae of CDH survivors, and their consequences for life, several follow-up programs were brought to life worldwide. In this review, we will summarize the long-term sequelae of CDH survivors, the impact of new treatments, and analyze the consistency of follow-up programs.

Neurocognitive outcomes in congenital diaphragmatic hernia survivors: a cross-sectional prospective study

BACKGROUND/PURPOSE

Congenital diaphragmatic hernia (CDH) survivors may have persistent neurocognitive delays. We assessed neurodevelopmental outcomes in CDH survivors from infancy to late teenage years.

METHODS

A cross-sectional study was conducted on 37 CDH survivors to examine neurocognitive functioning. Overall cognitive score was tested with the early learning composite (ELC) of Mullen Scales of Early Learning (n=19), and Full Scale IQ (FSIQ) of Wechsler Intelligence Scale for Children-Fourth Edition (n=18).

RESULTS

ELC was 85.7±16.4, lower than the expected norm of 100, P=0.004, and 6 survivors had moderate, and 3 severe delay, which is not greater than expected in the general population (P=0.148). FSIQ was 99.6±19.1, consistent with the expected norm of 100, P=0.922, and 3 survivors had moderate and 2 severe delay, which is greater than expected (P=0.048). Although ELC was lower than FSIQ (P=0.024), within each testing group overall cognitive ability was not associated with participant age (ELC, P=0.732; FSIQ, P=0.909). Longer hospital stay was the only factor found to be consistently associated with a worse cognitive score across all participants in our cohort.

CONCLUSIONS

A high percentage of survivors with CDH have moderate to severe cognitive impairment suggesting that these subjects warrant early testing with implementation of therapeutic and educational interventions.

Neurodevelopmental Outcomes After Neonatal Surgery for Major Noncardiac Anomalies

CONTEXT

Increasing concerns have been raised about the incidence of neurodevelopmental delay in children with noncardiac congenital anomalies (NCCA) requiring neonatal surgery.

OBJECTIVE

This study aimed to determine the incidence and potential risk factors for developmental delay after neonatal surgery for major NCCA.

DATA SOURCES

A systematic search in PubMed, Embase and the Cochrane Library was performed through March 2015.

STUDY SELECTION

Original research articles on standardized cognitive or motor skills tests.

DATA EXTRACTION

Data on neurodevelopmental outcome, the Bayley Scales of Infant Development, and risk factors for delay were extracted.

RESULTS

In total, 23 eligible studies were included, reporting on 895 children. Meta-analysis was performed with data of 511 children, assessed by the Bayley Scales of Infant Development at 12 and 24 months of age. Delay in cognitive development was reported in a median of 23% (3%-56%). Meta-analysis showed a cognitive score of 0.5 SD below the population average (Mental Development Index 92 ± 13, mean ± SD; P < .001). Motor development was delayed in 25% (0%-77%). Meta-analysis showed a motor score of 0.6 SD below average (Psychomotor Development Index 91 ± 14; P < .001). Several of these studies report risk factors for psychomotor delay, including low birth weight, a higher number of congenital anomalies, duration of hospital admission, and repeated surgery.

LIMITATIONS

All data were retrieved from studies with small sample sizes and various congenital anomalies using different neurodevelopmental assessment tools.

CONCLUSIONS

Cognitive and motor developmental delay was found in 23% of patients with NCCA. Meta-analysis showed that the mean neurodevelopmental outcome scores were 0.5 SD below the normative score of the healthy population.

Neurodevelopmental outcome at one year of age in congenital diaphragmatic hernia infants not treated with extracorporeal membrane oxygenation

BACKGROUND

We evaluated the neurodevelopmental (ND) outcome at one year of age for congenital diaphragmatic hernia (CDH) children who have not undergone extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) treatment during the neonatal period.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Between 01/2005 and 06/2012, 63 consecutive CDH patients underwent ND assessment using the BSID-III at a median age of 12 months. ND delay was defined by a score of ≤ 85 in any of the composite scales. Severe impairment was defined as a score of ≤ 69 in at least one domain.

RESULTS

Mean ± SD cognitive, language, and motor functions were 94 ± 14, 86 ± 14, 90 ± 15, respectively (normal 100 ± 15, P<0.01 for each). Forty-three-percent scored within the average range for all scales. Forty-four-percent had mild, and 13% had severe delays in at least one domain. Prolonged NICU stay, intubation and O2 requirement, fundoplication, abnormal BAERs, and tracheostomy were associated with lower scores in all domains. Right-sided CDH, male gender, lower 5 min APGAR, pulmonary hypertension, and delayed start of enteral feeding were predictive of lower cognitive and/or language scores.

CONCLUSION

At one year of age, a high percentage of CDH children whose illness did not necessitate ECMO have below normal ND scores. Modifiable and non-modifiable factors are significant determinants of adverse outcomes.

Neurodevelopmental outcome in congenital diaphragmatic hernia survivors: role of ventilatory time

BACKGROUND

Neurodevelopmental impairment is one of the most significant morbidities among CDH survivors.

PURPOSE

Assess correlation between ventilatory time (VT) and short-term neurodevelopmental outcome in congenital diaphragmatic hernia (CDH) survivors.

METHODS

A prospective longitudinal study was conducted between 2008 and 2012. Assessment of mental and motor development was performed at 6 and 12months by Bayley Scales of Infant and Toddler Development - 3rd Edition (BSID-III). ROC curve analysis was used.

RESULTS

Forty-two subjects were included in the study. There was a significant inverse correlation between neurodevelopment at 6 and 12months and VT during first admission (p<0.0001). VT predicting the risk of moderate (BSID-III <85) and severe (BSID-III <70) delay was 13 and 28days, respectively (area under the curve - delay <85: 6months mental 0.943 and motor 0.992; 12months mental 0.877 and motor 0.925; delay <70: 6months mental 0.934 and motor 0.943; 12months mental 0.906 and motor 0.975; p<0.0001).

CONCLUSIONS

VT should be considered an important marker to identify subjects at risk for short-term neurodevelopmental delay in CDH survivors. Early follow-up intervention therapy should be activated in every baby with a history exceeding 13days of VT.

Multidisciplinary long-term follow-up of congenital diaphragmatic hernia: a growing trend

This literature review discusses the growing trend toward multidisciplinary long term follow-up for congenital diaphragmatic hernia.

Extracorporeal life support in patients with congenital diaphragmatic hernia: how long should we treat?

BACKGROUND

Congenital diaphragmatic hernia (CDH) is a frequently lethal birth defect and, despite advances, extracorporeal life support (ie, extracorporeal membrane oxygenation [ECMO]) is commonly required for severely affected patients. Published data suggest that CDH survival after 2 weeks on ECMO is poor. Many centers limit duration of ECMO support.

STUDY DESIGN

We conducted a single-institution retrospective review of 19 years of CDH patients treated with ECMO, designed to evaluate which factors affect survival and duration of ECMO and define how long patients should be supported.

RESULTS

Of two hundred and forty consecutive CDH patients without lethal associated anomalies, 96 were treated with ECMO and 72 (75%) survived. Eighty required a single run of ECMO and 65 survived (81%), 16 required a second ECMO run and 7 survived (44%). Of patients still on ECMO at 2 weeks, 56% survived, at 3 weeks 46% survived, and at 4 weeks, 43% of patients still on ECMO survived to discharge. After 5 weeks of ECMO, survival had dropped to 15%, and after 40 days of ECMO support there were no survivors. Apgar score at 1 minute, Apgar score at 5 minutes, and Congenital Diaphragmatic Hernia Study Group predicted survival all correlated with survival on ECMO, need for second ECMO, and duration of ECMO. Lung-to-head ratio also correlated with duration of ECMO. All survivors were discharged breathing spontaneously with no support other than nasal cannula oxygen if needed.

CONCLUSIONS

In patients with severe CDH, improvement in pulmonary function sufficient to wean from ECMO can take 4 weeks or longer, and might require a second ECMO run. Pulmonary outcomes in these CDH patients can still be excellent, and the assignment of arbitrary ECMO treatment durations <4 weeks should be avoided.