Addressing the causes of late mortality in infants with congenital diaphragmatic hernia

Diagnosis and management of congenital diaphragmatic hernia: a 2023 update from the Canadian Congenital Diaphragmatic Hernia Collaborative

OBJECTIVE

The Canadian Congenital Diaphragmatic Hernia (CDH) Collaborative sought to make its existing clinical practice guideline, published in 2018, into a 'living document'.

DESIGN AND MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

Critical appraisal of CDH literature adhering to Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation (GRADE) methodology. Evidence accumulated between 1 January 2017 and 30 August 2022 was analysed to inform changes to existing or the development of new CDH care recommendations. Strength of consensus was also determined using a modified Delphi process among national experts in the field.

RESULTS

Of the 3868 articles retrieved in our search that covered the 15 areas of CDH care, 459 underwent full-text review. Ultimately, 103 articles were used to inform 20 changes to existing recommendations, which included aspects related to prenatal diagnosis, echocardiographic evaluation, pulmonary hypertension management, surgical readiness criteria, the type of surgical repair and long-term health surveillance. Fifteen new CDH care recommendations were also created using this evidence, with most related to the management of pain and the provision of analgesia and neuromuscular blockade for patients with CDH.

CONCLUSIONS

The 2023 Canadian CDH Collaborative's clinical practice guideline update provides a management framework for infants and children with CDH based on the best available evidence and expert consensus.

Association of Fetal Lung Development Disorders with Adult Diseases: A Comprehensive Review

Fetal lung development is a crucial and complex process that lays the groundwork for postnatal respiratory health. However, disruptions in this delicate developmental journey can lead to fetal lung development disorders, impacting neonatal outcomes and potentially influencing health outcomes well into adulthood. Recent research has shed light on the intriguing association between fetal lung development disorders and the development of adult diseases. Understanding these links can provide valuable insights into the developmental origins of health and disease, paving the way for targeted preventive measures and clinical interventions. This review article aims to comprehensively explore the association of fetal lung development disorders with adult diseases. We delve into the stages of fetal lung development, examining key factors influencing fetal lung maturation. Subsequently, we investigate specific fetal lung development disorders, such as respiratory distress syndrome (RDS), bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD), congenital diaphragmatic hernia (CDH), and other abnormalities. Furthermore, we explore the potential mechanisms underlying these associations, considering the role of epigenetic modifications, transgenerational effects, and intrauterine environmental factors. Additionally, we examine the epidemiological evidence and clinical findings linking fetal lung development disorders to adult respiratory diseases, including asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), and other respiratory ailments. This review provides valuable insights for healthcare professionals and researchers, guiding future investigations and shaping strategies for preventive interventions and long-term care.

Diagnosis, management and long term cardiovascular outcomes of phenotypic profiles in pulmonary hypertension associated with congenital diaphragmatic hernia

Congenital diaphragmatic hernia (CDH) is a developmental defect of the diaphragm resulting in herniation of viscera into the chest. This condition is characterized by pulmonary hypoplasia, pulmonary hypertension (PH) and cardiac ventricular dysfunction. PH is a key component of the pathophysiology of CDH in neonates and contributes to morbidity and mortality. Traditionally, PH associated with CDH (CDH-PH) is thought to be secondary to increased pulmonary arterial resistance and vasoreactivity resulting from pulmonary hypoplasia. Additionally, there is increasing recognition of associated left ventricular hypoplasia, dysfunction and elevated end diastolic pressure resulting in pulmonary venous hypertension in infants with CDH. Thus, hemodynamic management of these infants is complex and cautious use of pulmonary vasodilators such as inhaled nitric oxide (iNO) is warranted. We aim to provide an overview of different phenotypic profiles of CDH associated PH and potential management options based on current evidence and pathophysiology.

Postnatal Imaging for Prediction of Outcome in Patients with Left-sided Congenital Diaphragmatic Hernia

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate associations between postnatal imaging features and outcome of left-sided congenital diaphragmatic hernia, as defined by overall survival and a requirement for extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO).

STUDY DESIGN

Newborns diagnosed prenatally with left-sided congenital diaphragmatic hernia between January 2013 and September 2021 were studied retrospectively. The esophageal deviation index was newly defined as the largest diameter from the midline to deviated gastric tube divided by the largest transverse diameter of the thoracic cavity on the radiograph. Regression analyses were performed to identify postnatal imaging features associated with overall survival and a requirement for ECMO. The predictive power (ie, area under the curve [AUC] of a time-dependent receiver operating characteristic curve) of prenatal, postnatal, and intraoperative findings for predicting survival were calculated.

RESULTS

Ninety-seven patients (54 males; mean gestational age, 38.3 ± 1.9 weeks; mean birth weight, 2956.5 ± 540.0 g) were analyzed. The esophageal deviation index (adjusted hazard ratio [HR], moderate [≥0.19 to <0.24], 6.427 [P = .029]; severe [≥0.24], 33.007 [P < .001]) and right pneumothorax (adjusted HR, 8.763; P = .002) were associated with overall survival and with a requirement for ECMO. Liver herniation on postnatal ultrasound also was associated with overall survival (P < .001) and need for ECMO (P = .001). In addition, the AUC for prediction of 1-year survival from postnatal ultrasound was comparable with that of prenatally or intraoperatively detected liver herniation (0.93; 95% CI, 0.88-0.97).

CONCLUSIONS

The esophageal deviation index, right pneumothorax, and liver herniation observed by postnatal imaging have prognostic value in patients with left-sided congenital diaphragmatic hernia.

Long term outcomes in CDH: Cardiopulmonary outcomes and health related quality of life

BACKGROUND

With improvements in clinical management and an increase in CDH survivorship there is a crucial need for better understanding of long-term health outcomes in CDH.

AIM

To investigate the prevalence of cardiopulmonary health morbidity and health related quality of life (HRQoL) in CDH survivors.

METHODS

We included all studies (n = 65) investigating long-term cardiopulmonary outcomes in CDH patients more than 2 years published in the last 30 years. The Newcastle-Ottawa Scale and the CASP checklist for cohort studies were utilized to assess study quality. Results were reported descriptively and collated by age group where possible.

RESULTS

The incidence of pulmonary hypertension was highly variable (4.5-38%), though rates (%) appeared to diminish after 5 years of age. Lung function indices and radiological outcomes were frequently abnormal, and Health Related Quality of Life (HRQoL) reduced also. Long term diseases notably emphysema and COPD are not yet fully described in the contemporary literature.

CONCLUSION

This study underscores cardiopulmonary health morbidity and a reduced HRQoL among CDH survivors. Where not already available dedicated multidisciplinary follow-up clinics should be established to support these vulnerable patients transition safely into adulthood. Future research is therefore needed to investigate the risk factors for cardiopulmonary ill health and morbidity in CDH survivors.

TYPE OF STUDY

Systematic review of case control and cohort studies.

Long-Term Outcomes of Congenital Diaphragmatic Hernia: Report of a Multicenter Study in Japan

Background: Treatment modalities for neonates with congenital diaphragmatic hernia (CDH) have greatly improved in recent years, with a concomitant increase in survival. However, long-term outcomes restrict the identification of optimal care pathways for CDH survivors in adolescence and adulthood. Therefore, we evaluated the long-term outcomes within the Japanese CDH Study Group (JCDHSG). Methods: Participants were born with CDH between 2006 and 2018 according to the JCDHSG. Participants were enrolled in the database at 1.5, 3, 6, and 12 years old. Follow-up items included long-term complications, operations for long-term complication, and home medical care. Results: A total of 747 patients were included in this study, with 626 survivors (83.8%) and 121 non-survivors (16.2%). At 1.5, 3, 6, and 12 years old, 45.4%, 36.5%, 34.8%, and 43.6% developed complications, and 20.1%, 14.7%, 11.5%, and 5.1% of participants required home care, respectively. Recurrence, pneumonia, pneumothorax, gastroesophageal reflux disease, and intestinal obstruction decreased with age, and thoracic deformity increased with age. Conclusions: As CDH survival rates improve, there is a need for continued research and fine-tuning of long-term care to optimize appropriate surveillance and long-term follow-up.

Small Bowel Obstruction After Neonatal Repair of Congenital Diaphragmatic Hernia-Incidence and Risk-Factors Identified in a Large Longitudinal Cohort-Study

OBJECTIVE

In patients with a congenital diaphragmatic hernia (CDH), postoperative small bowel obstruction (SBO) is a life-threatening event. Literature reports an incidence of SBO of 20% and an association with patch repair and ECMO treatment. Adhesions develop due to peritoneal damage and underly various biochemical and cellular processes. This longitudinal cohort study is aimed at identifying the incidence of SBO and the risk factors of surgical, pre-, and postoperative treatment.

METHODS

We evaluated all consecutive CDH survivors born between January 2009 and December 2017 participating in our prospective long-term follow-up program with a standardized protocol.

RESULTS

A total of 337 patients were included, with a median follow-up of 4 years. SBO with various underlying causes was observed in 38 patients (11.3%) and significantly more often after open surgery (OS). The majority of SBOs required surgical intervention (92%). Adhesive SBO (ASBO) was detected as the leading cause in 17 of 28 patients, in whom surgical reports were available. Duration of chest tube insertion [odds ratio (OR) 1.22; 95% CI 1.01-1.46, p = 0.04] was identified as an independent predictor for ASBO in multivariate analysis. Beyond the cut-off value of 16 days, the incidence of serous effusion and chylothorax was higher in patients with ASBO (ASBO/non-SBO: 2/10 vs. 3/139 serous effusion, p = 0.04; 2/10 vs. 13/139 chylothorax, p = 0.27). Type of diaphragmatic reconstruction, abdominal wall closure, or ECMO treatment showed no significant association with ASBO. A protective effect of one or more re-operations has been detected (RR 0.16; 95% CI 0.02-1.17; p = 0.049).

CONCLUSION

Thoracoscopic CDH repair significantly lowers the risk of SBO; however, not every patient is suitable for this approach. GoreTex®-patches do not seem to affect the development of ASBO, while median laparotomy might be more favorable than a subcostal incision. Neonates produce more proinflammatory cytokines and have a reduced anti-inflammatory capacity, which may contribute to the higher incidence of ASBO in patients with a longer duration of chest tube insertion, serous effusion, chylothorax, and to the protective effect of re-operations. In the future, novel therapeutic strategies based on a better understanding of the biochemical and cellular processes involved in the pathophysiology of adhesion formation might contribute to a reduction of peritoneal adhesions and their associated morbidity and mortality.

Longitudinal Follow-Up With Radiologic Screening for Recurrence and Secondary Hiatal Hernia in Neonates With Open Repair of Congenital Diaphragmatic Hernia-A Large Prospective, Observational Cohort Study at One Referral Center

Objective: After neonatal repair of congenital diaphragmatic hernia (CDH) recurrence is the most severe surgical complication and reported in up to 50% after patch implantation. Previous studies are difficult to compare due to differences in surgical techniques and retrospective study design and lack of standardized follow-up or radiologic imaging. The aim was to reliably detect complication rates by radiologic screening during longitudinal follow-up after neonatal open repair of CDH and to determine possible risk factors. Methods: At our referral center with standardized treatment algorithm and follow-up program, consecutive neonates were screened for recurrence by radiologic imaging at defined intervals during a 12-year period. Results: 326 neonates with open CDH repair completed follow-up of a minimum of 2 years. 68 patients (21%) received a primary repair, 251 (77%) a broad cone-shaped patch, and 7 a flat patch (2%). Recurrence occurred in 3 patients (0.7%) until discharge and diaphragmatic complications in 28 (8.6%) thereafter. Overall, 38 recurrences and/or secondary hiatal hernias were diagnosed (9% after primary repair, 12.7% after cone-shaped patch; p = 0.53). Diaphragmatic complications were significantly associated with initial defect size (r = 0.26). In multivariate analysis left-sided CDH, an abdominal wall patch and age below 4 years were identified as independent risk factors. Accordingly, relative risks (RRs) were significantly increased [left-sided CDH: 8.5 (p = 0.03); abdominal wall patch: 3.2 (p < 0.001); age ≤4 years: 6.5 (p < 0.002)]. 97% of patients with diaphragmatic complications showed no or nonspecific symptoms and 45% occurred beyond 1 year of age. Conclusions: The long-term complication rate after CDH repair highly depends on surgical technique: a comparatively low recurrence rate seems to be achievable in large defects by implantation of a broad cone-shaped, non-absorbable patch. Longitudinal follow-up with regular radiologic imaging until adolescence is essential to reliably detecting recurrence to prevent acute incarceration and chronic gastrointestinal morbidity with their impact on prognosis. Based on our findings and literature review, a risk-stratified approach to diaphragmatic complications is proposed.

Long term follow-up in congenital diaphragmatic hernia

Survivorship of patients with congenital diaphragmatic hernia (CDH) has created a unique cohort of children, adolescents and adults with complex medical and surgical needs. Morbidities specific to this disease benefit from multi-specialty care, and the long term follow up of these patients offers a tremendous opportunity for research and collaboration. Herein we aim to offer an overview of the challenges that modern CDH survivors face, and include a risk-stratified algorithm as a general guideline for a multi-specialty follow up program.

Transport on extracorporeal membrane oxygenation for congenital diaphragmatic hernia: A unique center experience

BACKGROUND

Support on Extracorporeal oxygenation membrane (ECMO) represents the last therapeutic option in the management of respiratory failure and pulmonary hypertension refractory to treatment in patients with congenital diaphragmatic hernia (CDH).

AIM

The objective of this work was to present our experience of all the cases of CDH that we have transported on ECMO.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Medical records of patients, national and international, with CDH transported by our service on ECMO from 1997 to 2018 were reviewed.

RESULTS

During 22 years, we performed 40 ECMO transports of newborns with CDH, 39 primary and one secondary. In 10% (4/40) we transferred patients from their primary hospital after the implantation of cannulae and commencement of ECMO to another center abroad owing to the lack of beds in our unit. Twenty (50%) of the transports were from a foreign country. Median transport distance was 560 (428-1381) km and the median transport time was 4.5 (4.2-6.3) h. The mode of transport was ground ambulance in 20%, helicopter in 10%, fixed wing aircraft in 62.5% and ground ambulance in Freight aircraft in 7.5%. In 40% of the transports, 20 complications occurred. In one of every four transports with complications, more than one event occurred. Most frequent complication was loss of tidal volumes (35%) and in 30% of the complications another patient related event was recorded. Equipment failure occurred in 20%, and climate problems and transport vehicle problems in 15%. No deaths occurred during transport. Venoarterial ECMO was used in 39 of the 40 cases. Survival to discharge was 87% for the entire period and long-term survival was 77%.

CONCLUSIONS

Long and short distance interhospital transports of CDH patients on ECMO can be performed safely. Despite occurrence of adverse events, the risk of mortality is very low. The personnel involved must be highly competent in intensive care, physiology and physics of ECMO, cannulation, intensive care transport and air transport medicine. They must also be trained to recognize risk factors in these patients.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

III Retrospective cohort study.

Morbidity of Persistent Pulmonary Hypertension of the Newborn in the First Year of Life

OBJECTIVE

To assess postdischarge mortality and morbidity in infants diagnosed with different etiologies and severities of persistent pulmonary hypertension of the newborn (PPHN), and to identify risk factors for these adverse clinical outcomes.

STUDY DESIGN

This was a population-based study using an administrative dataset linking birth and death certificates, hospital discharge and readmissions records from 2005 to 2012 in California. Cases were infants ≥34 weeks' gestational age with International Classification of Diseases,9th edition, codes consistent with PPHN. The primary outcome was defined as postdischarge mortality or hospital readmission during the first year of life. Crude and adjusted risk ratio (aRR) with 95% CIs were calculated to quantify the risk for the primary outcome and to identify risk factors.

RESULTS

Infants with PPHN (n = 7847) had an aRR of 3.5 (95% CI, 3.3-3.7) for the primary outcome compared with infants without PPHN (n = 3 974 536), and infants with only mild PPHN (n = 2477) had an aRR of 2.2 (95% CI, 2.0-2.5). Infants with congenital diaphragmatic hernia as the etiology for PPHN had an aRR of 8.2 (95% CI, 6.7-10.2) and infants with meconium aspiration syndrome had an aRR of 4.2 (95% CI, 3.7-4.6) compared with infants without PPHN. Hispanic ethnicity, small for gestational age, severe PPHN, and etiology of PPHN were risk factors for the primary outcome.

CONCLUSIONS

The postdischarge morbidity burden of infants with PPHN is large. These findings extend to infants with mild PPHN and etiologies with pulmonary vascular changes that are thought to be short term and recoverable. These data could inform counseling of parents.

Prenatal Imaging Features and Postnatal Factors Associated with Gastrointestinal Morbidity in Congenital Diaphragmatic Hernia

BACKGROUND

To perform a comprehensive assessment of postnatal gastrointestinal (GI) morbidity and determine the prenatal imaging features and postnatal factors associated with its development in patients with congenital diaphragmatic hernia (CDH).

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A retrospective review was conducted of all infants evaluated for CDH at a quaternary fetal center from February 2004 to May 2017. Prenatal imaging features and postnatal variables were analyzed. GI morbidity was the primary outcome. The Mann-Whitney U test, the Kruskal-Wallis test with Dunnett's T3 post hoc analysis and logistic regression, and the χ2 test were performed when appropriate.

RESULTS

We evaluated 256 infants; 191 (75%) underwent CDH repair and had at least 6 months of follow-up. Of this cohort, 60% had gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), 13% had gastroparesis, 32% received a gastrostomy tube (G-tube), and 17% needed a fundoplication. Large defect, patch repair, extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO), and prolonged use of mechanical ventilation were significantly associated with having GERD, gastroparesis, G-tube placement, and fundoplication (p < 0.05). Fetuses with stomach grades 3 and 4 were most likely to have GERD, a G-tube, and a long-term need for supplemental nutrition than fetuses with stomach grades 1 and 2 (p < 0.05).

CONCLUSION

Survivors of CDH with large defects, prolonged use of mechanical ventilation, or that have received ECMO may be at an increased risk for having GERD, gastroparesis, and major GI surgery. Marked stomach displacement on prenatal imaging is significantly associated with GI morbidity in left-sided CDH.

Evaluation and Monitoring of Pulmonary Hypertension in Neonates With Congenital Diaphragmatic Hernia

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

This review aims to describe the assessment of pulmonary hypertension and ventricular function in neonates with congenital diaphragmatic hernia and the long-term follow-up of their pulmonary vascular disease.

RECENT FINDINGS

In 2015, the pediatric pulmonary hypertension guidelines from the American Heart Association and American Thoracic Society suggested class I level of evidence B guidelines for routine evaluation of patients with congenital diaphragmatic hernia, including longitudinal care in an interdisciplinary pulmonary hypertension program and following the recommendations offered for all children with pulmonary hypertension. Congenital diaphragmatic hernia causes compression of the lungs during critical stages of fetal development and results in lung hypoplasia. As a result, there is abnormal development of pulmonary vasculature that leads to post-natal pulmonary hypertension and increased afterload to the right ventricle. Left ventricular filling is affected by decreased pre-load and mechanical compression by abdominal content leading to decreased systemic perfusion. Persistent pulmonary hypertension after surgical repair of congenital diaphragmatic hernia is associated with increased mortality. Assessment and monitoring of pulmonary hypertension and ventricular function in this population of neonates is crucial to determine response to medical treatment, the need for extracorporeal membrane oxygenation, and the timing of surgical repair.

[Medium and long-term respiratory outcome in patients operated from congenital diaphragmatic hernia: From a series of 56 patients]

INTRODUCTION

Recent advances in prenatal diagnosis, high frequency oscillatory ventilation and pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) therapies have progressively improved the survival of patients with congenital diaphragmatic hernia (CDH). However, CDH is associated with high morbidity that affects about half of surviving children. The main sequelae observed are respiratory (asthma, persistent PAH [PPAH], bronchopulmonary dysplasia, respiratory infections) and digestive (gastroesophageal reflux disease [GERD]).

METHOD

This retrospective study focuses on the medium and long-term respiratory evolution of a cohort of 56 children with CDH and operated at Strasbourg University Hospital between 1999 and 2017.

RESULTS

The mean age at assessment was 6,6 years (minimum: 5 months; maximum: 19 years). Seventeen patients (30 %) had asthmatic manifestations. Pulmonary Function Tests (PFT) showed obstructive patterns in 5/11 patients (2 with post-bronchodilator reversibility), and restrictive impairment in 5/11 patients, 3 of whom had thoracic deformity and/or scoliosis. Thirteen patients (23 %) had bronchopulmonary dysplasia. Few patients had recurrent respiratory infections (3.6 %) and chronic respiratory insufficiency (5.3 %). Thirty-nine patients (70 %) presented with an initial PAH, two of whom progressed to PPAH. Sixteen patients (29 %) had thoracic deformity and/or scoliosis and 48 patients (86 %) had GERD, 10 of whom had fundoplication.

CONCLUSION

The long-term respiratory outcome of CDH operated patients is characterized by a moderate prevalence of respiratory symptoms and alterations in PFT that are important to consider in their medical follow-up during adolescence and adulthood. PAH is common in the neonatal period but rarely seems to persist.

Lung Transplantation for Late-Onset Pulmonary Hypertension in a Patient with Congenital Diaphragmatic Hernia

Lung hypoplasia and pulmonary hypertension (PH) in association with congenital diaphragmatic hernia (CDH) may cause fatal respiratory failure. Lung transplantation (Ltx) may represent an option for CDH-related end-stage pulmonary failure. The aim of this study is to report a patient with CDH who underwent Ltx or combined heart-lung transplantation (H-Ltx). Our patient was born at 33 weeks of gestation, with a prenatally diagnosed isolated left CDH. Twenty-four hours after birth, she underwent surgical repair of a type D defect (according to the CDH Study Group staging system). Postoperative course was unexpectedly uneventful, and she was discharged home at 58 days of life. Echocardiography before discharge was unremarkable. Periodic follow-up revealed gastroesophageal reflux (GER) and initial scoliosis. At the age of 10, she was readmitted for severe PH. Lung function progressively deteriorated, and at the age of 14, she underwent H-Ltx due to end-stage respiratory failure. After discharge, she developed recurrent respiratory tract infections, severe malnutrition, and drug-induced diabetes. Scoliosis and GER progressed, requiring posterior vertebral arthrodesis and antireflux surgery, respectively. Bronchiolitis obliterans further impaired her respiratory function, and though she had a second Ltx, she died at the age of 18, 4 and 1.5 years after the first and the second Ltx, respectively. Late-onset PH is an ominous complication of CDH. From our patient and the six further cases collected from the literature, Ltx may be considered as a last-resource treatment in CDH patients with irreversible and fatal respiratory failure, although its prognosis seems unfair.

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.

Fetal Cardiac Impairment in Nitrofen-Induced Congenital Diaphragmatic Hernia: Postmortem Microcomputed Tomography Imaging Study

INTRODUCTION

We assessed the post-mortem micro-CT utility to evaluate fetal cardiac impairment in nitrofen-induced congenital diaphragmatic hernia (CDH).

METHODS

At 9.5d postconception (dpc), pregnant rats were exposed to nitrofen. At +18 and +21dpc, fetuses were harvested by cesarean section. Postmortem micro-CT and autopsy were performed. Fetuses were assigned to three experimental groups: Control group (C), Nitrofen group (N, exposition to nitrofen without CDH), CDH group. Cardio-pulmonary indices were evaluated.

RESULTS

An accurate morphological evaluation of the lung and heart was obtained. Early cardiac impairment was present in the N and CDH groups. At term pregnancy, an increased maximum diameter and decreased minimum diameter of the ventricles and increased interventricular septal thickness were noted in CDH. Histology showed a myocardial "disarray" and an high density of mitotic myocytes in CDH at midgestation.

CONCLUSIONS

The potential utility of post-mortem fetal micro-CT examination in CDH was introduced. The results highlighted the presence of cardiac adaptation in affected fetuses.

Parenting stress among parents of children with congenital diaphragmatic hernia

PURPOSE

The aim of this study was to examine parental stress among parents of children with congenital diaphragmatic hernia (CDH).

METHODS

Between 2005 and 2009, a total of 51 children with CDH were treated at Astrid Lindgren Children's Hospital. The survival rate at discharge was 86% and long-term survival rate 80%. One parent each of the long-term survivors (41 children) was included in the present study, and 34 parents (83%) agreed to participate. Participants received the Swedish Parenthood Stress Questionnaire (SPSQ). The questionnaire was supplemented by data from case records.

RESULTS

Parents of children with CDH, who had been supported by ECMO or had a long hospital stay, showed significantly higher overall parental stress. Mothers scored an overall higher parental stress compared with fathers. A prenatal diagnosis of CDH or lower parental educational level resulted in significantly higher parental stress in some of the factors.

CONCLUSIONS

Parental stress in parents of children with CDH seems to increase with the severity of the child's malformation. Mothers tend to score higher parental stress than fathers.