Survival of patients with congenital diaphragmatic hernia during the ECMO era: an 11-year experience

Long-term outcomes of congenital diaphragmatic hernia: A single institution experience

BACKGROUND/PURPOSE

As survival rates for patients with congenital diaphragmatic hernia (CDH) increase, long-term sequelae become increasingly prevalent. We present the outcomes of patients who underwent CDH repair at our institution and discuss standardization of follow-up care in our long-term multidisciplinary follow-up clinic.

METHODS

A retrospective review of patients followed in multidisciplinary clinic after CDH repair at our institution from January 1, 2005 to December 1, 2020.

RESULTS

A total of 193 patients met inclusion criteria, 73 females (37.8%) and 120 males (62.2%). Left-sided defects were most common (75.7%), followed by right-sided defects (20.7%). Median age at repair was 4 days (IQR 3-6) and 59.6% of all defects required patch repair. Median length of stay was 29 days (IQR 16.8-50.0). Median length of follow up was 49 months (IQR 17.8-95.3) with 25 patients followed for more than 12 years. Long-term outcomes included gastroesophageal reflux disease (42.0%), diaphragmatic hernia recurrence (10.9%), asthma (23.6%), neurodevelopmental delay (28.6%), attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (7.3%), autism (1.6%), chest wall deformity (15.5%), scoliosis (11.4%), and inguinal hernia (6.7%).

CONCLUSION

As survival of patients with CDH improves, long-term care must be continuously studied and fine-tuned to ensure appropriate surveillance and optimization of long-term outcomes.

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.

Parent reported long-term quality of life outcomes in children after congenital diaphragmatic hernia repair

PURPOSE

The aim of this study was to determine long-term outcomes for congenital diaphragmatic hernia (CDH) patients including quality of life (QoL), symptom burden, reoperation rates, and health status.

METHODS

A chart review and phone QoL survey were performed for patients who underwent CDH repair between 2007 and 2014 at a tertiary free-standing children's hospital. Comprehensive outcomes were collected including subsequent operations and health status. Associations with QoL were tested using Wilcoxon Rank-Sum tests and Pearson correlation coefficients.

RESULTS

Of 102 CDH patients identified, 46 (45.1%) patient guardians agreed to participate with mean patient age of 5.8 (SD, 2.2) years at time of follow-up. Median PedsQL^TM and PedsQL^TM Gastrointestinal scores were 91.8 (IQR, 84.8-95.8) and 95.8 (IQR, 93.0-98.2), out of 100. Thoracoscopic repair was associated with higher PedsQL^TM scores while defects with an intrathoracic stomach were associated with increased gas and bloating. No difference in QoL was found when comparing defect side, patch vs primary repair, prenatal diagnosis, extracorporeal membrane oxygenation, or recurrence. Older age weakly correlated with worse school functioning and heartburn.

CONCLUSION

Children with CDH have reassuring QoL scores. Given the correlation between older age and poor school function, longer follow-up of patients with CDH may be warranted.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

III (Retrospective comparative study).

Survival Disparities Associated with Congenital Diaphragmatic Hernia

BACKGROUND

We assessed sociodemographic and clinical factors that are associated with survival among infants with congenital diaphragmatic hernia (CDH).

METHODS

Using data from the Metropolitan Atlanta Congenital Defects Program, we ascertained 150 infants born with CDH between 1979 and 2003 and followed via linkage with state vital records and the National Death Index. Kaplan-Meier survival probabilities and adjusted hazard ratios (HRs) were calculated for socioeconomic and clinical characteristics.

RESULTS

Survival increased from 40 to 62% over the study period. White infants born before 1988 were 2.9 times less likely to survive than those born after 1988. Black infants' survival did not show significant improvement after 1988. White infants' survival was not significantly affected by poverty, whereas black infants born in higher levels of poverty were 2.7 times less likely to survive than black infants born in lower levels of neighborhood poverty. White infants with multiple major birth defects were 2.6 times less likely to survive than those with CDH alone. The presence of multiple defects was not significantly associated with survival among black infants.

CONCLUSIONS

Survival among infants and children with CDH has improved over time among whites, but not among blacks. Poverty is associated with lower survival among blacks, but not among whites. The presence of multiple defects is associated with lower survival among whites, but not among blacks. The differential effects of poverty and race should be taken into account when studying disparities in health outcomes. Birth Defects Research 109:816-823, 2017. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Pulmonary hypertension's variegated landscape: a snapshot

The many types of pulmonary hypertension (PH) are so protean in their biological origin, histological expression, and natural history that it is difficult to create a summary picture of the disease, or to easily compare and contrast characteristics of one type of PH with another. For newcomers to the field, however, such a picture would facilitate a broad understanding of PH. In this paper, we suggest that four characteristics are fundamental to describing the nature of various types of PH, and that taken together they define a number of patterns of PH expression. These characteristics are histopathology, developmental origin, associated clinical conditions, and potential for resolution. The “snapshot” is a way to concisely display the ways that these signal characteristics intersect in select specific types of PH, and is an effort to summarize these patterns in a way that facilitates a “big picture” comprehension of this disease.

Congenital diaphragmatic hernia: outcomes of neonates treated at Mayo Clinic with and without extracorporeal membrane oxygenation

BACKGROUND

Congenital diaphragmatic hernia (CDH) is a rare anomaly with high mortality and long-term comorbid conditions.

AIMS

Our aim was to describe the presenting characteristics, treatment, and outcomes of consecutive patients with CDH treated at our institution.

METHODS

We performed a retrospective cohort study and identified consecutive neonates treated for CDH from 2001 to 2015 at our institution. For all patients identified, we reviewed hospital and postdischarge data for neonatal, disease, and treatment characteristics. We determined hospital survival overall and also according to the presence of prenatal diagnosis, liver herniation into the chest (liver up), and the use of extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) in addition to surgery. We evaluated postdischarge chronic conditions in patients with at least one year of follow-up.

RESULTS

Thirty-eight neonates were admitted for treatment during the study period. In three who were in extremis, life support was withdrawn. The other 35 underwent surgical repair, of whom eight received ECMO. The overall survival was 79% (30/38). Survival for those who had surgical correction of CDH but did not need ECMO was 89% (24/27); it was 75% (6/8) for those who received ECMO and had surgery. Hospital survival was lower for liver-up vs liver-down CDH (61% [11/18] vs 95% [19/20]; odds ratio, 0.08; 95% CI, 0.01-0.77; P = 0.01). Among survivors, the median duration of hospitalization was 31 (interquartile range, 20-73) days. Major chronic pulmonary and gastrointestinal disorders, failure to thrive, and neurodevelopmental delays were the most noted comorbid conditions after discharge, and all were more prevalent in those who required ECMO.

CONCLUSION

The overall survival of neonates with CDH was 79%. Intrathoracic liver herniation was associated with more frequent use of ECMO and greater mortality. A substantial number of survivors, especially those who required ECMO, experienced chronic conditions after discharge.

Recurrent diaphragmatic hernia: Modifiable and non-modifiable risk factors

RATIONALE

The risk of recurrence of Congenital Diaphragmatic Hernia (CDH) in an era of thoracoscopic surgery is unclear.

OBJECTIVES

(1) estimate the incidence and (2) evaluate the perioperative factors associated with the symptomatic recurrence of CDH.

METHODS

Medical records of CDH infants operated on in the neonatal period at a single-tertiary hospital between January 2000 and January 2013 were retrospectively reviewed.

RESULTS

Of 119 infants with CDH, 34 (28.6%) were excluded: 17 (14.3%) died without recurrence and 17 (14.3%) presented beyond neonatal period or were followed elsewhere. Of 85 survivors, 71 infants had an open repair and 14 had a thoracoscopic repair. Eleven of 85 survivors (13%) developed a recurrence on average 19.8 weeks (range 15-34) after the initial repair. Of 11 recurrences, 6 had an initial thoracoscopic repair and 5 had an open repair (6/14 [43%] vs. 5/71 [7%]; P = 0.002). Two children had multiple recurrences. Statistically significant associations were found between recurrence and the presence of persistent pulmonary hypertension (PPHTN) (P = 0.006), severe PPHTN (P = 0.002), inhaled nitric oxide, or sildenafil use for treatment of PPHTN (P = 0.002), need for perioperative high frequency oscillatory ventilation (HFOV) (P = 0.0006), length of hospital stay (LOS) (P = 0.02), duration of ventilation (P = 0.016), and need for home oxygen (P = 0.003). In multivariate regression analysis both the closure type and home oxygen requirement were statistically significant, independent factors predicting a recurrence (P = 0.04 and 0.02, respectively) but the type of surgery (thoracoscopic vs. open) only approached significance (P = 0.052). The recurrence rate for the seven surgeons who performed at least 5 repairs ranged from 7% to 40%.

CONCLUSIONS

A high survival rate of 85% with a 13% incidence of symptomatic CDH recurrence was demonstrated. Potentially, improved selection of cases for thoracoscopic repair and concentrating the thoracoscopic technique amongst a dedicated team of experienced thoracoscopic surgeons may reduce the rate of recurrence of CDH.

Congenital lung lesions: Postnatal management and outcome

Antenatal diagnosis of lung lesion has become more accurate resulting in dilemma and controversies of its antenatal and postnatal management. Majority of antenatally diagnosed congenital lung lesions are asymptomatic in the neonatal age group. Large lung lesions cause respiratory compromise and inevitably require urgent investigations and surgery. The congenital lung lesion presenting with hydrops requires careful postnatal management of lung hypoplasia and persistent pulmonary hypertension. Preoperative stabilization with gentle ventilation with permissive hypercapnia and delayed surgery similar to congenital diaphragmatic hernia management has been shown to result in good outcome. The diagnostic investigations and surgical management of the asymptomatic lung lesions remain controversial. Postnatal management and outcome of congenital cystic lung lesions are discussed.

Acute Neonatal Respiratory Failure

Acute respiratory failure requiring assisted ventilation is one of the most common reasons for admission to the neonatal intensive care unit. Respiratory failure is the inability to maintain either normal delivery of oxygen to the tissues or normal removal of carbon dioxide from the tissues. It occurs when there is an imbalance between the respiratory workload and ventilatory strength and endurance. Definitions are somewhat arbitrary but suggested laboratory criteria for respiratory failure include two or more of the following: PaCO₂ > 60 mmHg, PaO₂ < 50 mmHg or O₂ saturation <80 % with an FiO₂ of 1.0 and pH < 7.25 (Wen et al. 2004).

Prolonged extracorporeal membrane oxygenator support among neonates with acute respiratory failure: a review of the Extracorporeal Life Support Organization registry

The objective of this study was to identify types of neonatal diseases associated with prolonged (≥21 days) extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO), characteristics of survivors and nonsurvivors among those requiring prolonged ECMO, and factors associated with mortality. Data were obtained from the Extracorporeal Life Support Organization registry over the period from January 1, 1998, through December 31, 2011, for all neonates (age <31 days), with respiratory failure as the indication for ECMO. The primary outcome was survival to hospital discharge. Survivors and nonsurvivors were compared for 1) patient demographics, 2) primary diagnosis, 3) pre-ECMO clinical course and therapies, and 4) ECMO course and associated complications. The most common diagnosis associated with prolonged ECMO support in neonates is congenital diaphragmatic hernia (CDH; 69%). Infants with meconium aspiration syndrome had the highest survival rate (71%) compared with other diagnoses analyzed (26.3%; p < 0.001). Nonsurvivors were more likely to experience complications on ECMO, and multivariate analysis showed that the need for inotropes while on ECMO support (odds ratio, 2.2 [95% confidence interval, 1.3-3.7]; p = 0.003) was independently associated with mortality. Neonates requiring prolonged ECMO support have a 24% survival to discharge. Many of these cases involve CDH. Complications are common with prolonged ECMO, but only receipt of inotropes was shown to be independently associated with mortality. This report may help guide clinical decision making and family counseling for neonates requiring prolonged ECMO support.

Right-sided congenital diaphragmatic hernia, hepatic pulmonary fusion, duodenal atresia, and imperforate anus in an infant

We present a case of a neonate with VACTERL-like association, with the VACTERL association defined as the non-random association of vertebral, anal, cardiac, esophageal, renal/kidney, and limb defects, as manifested by a hemivertebra, imperforate anus, and digit anomalies, in rare association with duodenal atresia and right-sided diaphragmatic hernia. This constellation is previously undescribed and may offer insight into the pathogenesis of VACTERL and associated birth defects.

Predictors of survival in congenital diaphragmatic hernia patients requiring extracorporeal membrane oxygenation: CNMC 15-year experience

OBJECTIVE

To review outcomes of patients with congenital diaphragmatic hernia (CDH) requiring extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) at a level IIIC neonatal intensive care unit and to determine if pre-ECMO respiratory status can help predict mortality.

STUDY DESIGN

A single-center retrospective chart review was conducted on all infants with CDH treated with ECMO in the past 15 years. Demographic and clinical information, including pre-ECMO ventilatory and blood gas data, was collected. Differences between survivors and non-survivors were evaluated using independent samples t-/Mann-Whitney U-and Fisher's exact/chi (2)-tests for continuous and categorical data, respectively. Cox regression analysis was performed to evaluate predictors of survival while controlling for covariates. Significant predictors were further explored with receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve and Kaplan-Meier survival analysis.

RESULT

Overall survival of the population of 62 patients treated with ECMO was 50%. Survivor and non-survivors were similar in birth weight, gestational age, gender, race and Apgar scores. Approximately 80% of patients in both groups had a left-sided defect. Less than half of patients were prenatally diagnosed in either group. Patients in the non-survivor group had associated anomalies (42 vs 23% for survivors) but this was not statistically significant (P=0.303). Non-survivors were more likely to be put on ECMO earlier, stay on ECMO longer and be operated upon later. On pre-ECMO blood gas analyses, survivors had higher pH and PaO(2), and lower oxygenation index and PaCO(2) compared with non-survivors. After controlling for covariates, a lower minimum PaCO(2) and side of defect were the only independent predictors of survival. ROC curve for minimum pre-ECMO PaCO(2) had a significant area under the curve (0.72, P=0.003). Survival was 27% in babies unable to achieve a pre-ECMO PaCO(2) <60 mm Hg whereas no patients survived if their lowest pre-ECMO PaCO(2) was >70 mm Hg.

CONCLUSION

Minimum achievable pre-ECMO PaCO(2) is an independent predictor of survival in patients with CDH requiring ECMO life support. These data provide useful prognostic information for counseling families and may facilitate direction of care in extreme cases where the degree of pulmonary hypoplasia may be incompatible with life.

Radiographic findings of diaphragmatic hernia and hypoplastic lung

OBJECTIVE

Congenital diaphragmatic hernia (CDH) has a poor prognosis, despite intensive management. The prognosis of CDH is correlated with hypoplastic lung, but it is difficult to measure the degree of hypoplasia. The aims of this study were, therefore, to examine the relationship between chest X-ray and prognosis, and to assess whether the radiographic findings were a good indicator of hypoplastic lungs in patients with CDH.

STUDY DESIGN

Fifty neonates with CDH were classified radiographically into apex and hilar types. To assess the differences in clinical course between these two groups, gestational age, birth weight, prenatal diagnosis, survival rate, requirement of extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) therapy and lung area on X-rays were analyzed.

RESULTS

In all, 32 cases were of the apex type and 18 were hilar. The survival rate of the hilar group (33%) was significantly worse than that of the apex group (81%) (P<0.001). The hilar group required ECMO therapy more frequently than did the apex group.

CONCLUSIONS

The present results show a significant correlation between survival rate and the findings of chest X-rays in CDH. Radiographic findings are thus a good clinical indicator of the prognosis of CDH in neonates.

Long-term surgical outcomes in congenital diaphragmatic hernia: observations from a single institution

BACKGROUND/PURPOSE

Surgical complications are common in survivors of congenital diaphragmatic hernia (CDH), but little is known about long-term incidence patterns and associated predictors.

METHODS

A cohort of 99 CDH survivors was prospectively followed at a single-institution multidisciplinary clinic. Data were gathered regarding the adverse surgical outcomes of hernia recurrence, chest and spinal deformity, and operative small bowel obstruction (SBO), and then were retrospectively analyzed in relation to perinatal and perioperative markers of disease severity to determine significant predictors. Statistical methods used included univariate and multivariate regression analysis, hazard modeling, and Kaplan-Meier analysis.

RESULTS

At a median cohort age of 4.7 (range, 0.2-10.6) years, 46% of patients with patch repairs and 10% of those with primary repairs had a hernia recurrence at a median time of 0.9 (range, 0.1-7.3) years after repair. Chest deformity was detected in 47%. Small bowel obstruction and scoliosis occurred in 13%. Recurrence and chest deformity were significantly more common with patch repair, liver herniation, age at neonatal extubation greater than 16 days, oxygen requirement at discharge, and prematurity. The strongest predictor of SBO was patch repair. Multivariate analysis showed that patch repair was independently predictive of recurrence and early chest deformity (odds ratios of 5.0 and 4.8, confidence intervals of 1-24 and 1-21, P < .05). Use of an absorbable patch was associated with the highest risk of surgical complications.

CONCLUSIONS

For long-term survivors of CDH, specific perinatal and operative variables, particularly patch repair, are associated with subsequent adverse surgical outcomes.

CONTEMPORARY NEONATAL INTENSIVE CARE MANAGEMENT IN CONGENITAL DIAPHRAGMATIC HERNIA: DOES THIS OBVIATE THE NEED FOR FETAL THERAPY?

The management of congenital diaphragmatic hernia (CDH) in the newborn infant has changed radically since the first successful outcomes were reported 60 years ago. Then it seemed a surgical problem with a surgical solution – do an operation, remove the intestines and solid viscera from the thoracic cavity, repair the defect and allow the lung to expand. CDH in that era was regarded as the quintessential neonatal surgical emergency. The expectation was that urgent surgery would result in improvement in lung function and oxygenation. That approach persisted up to the 1980s when it was realized that the problem was far more complex and involved both an abnormal pulmonary vascular bed as well as pulmonary hypoplasia. The use of systemically delivered pulmonary vasodilator therapy, principally tolazoline, became a focus of interest in the 1980s with small case reports and case series suggesting improved survival. In the 1990s, based on studies that showed worsening thoracic compliance and gas exchange following surgical repair, deferred surgery and pre-operative stabilization became the standard of care. At the same time extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) was increasingly used either as part of pre-operative stabilization or as a rescue therapy after repair. Other centres chose to use high frequency oscillatory ventilation (HFOV). Despite all these innovations the survival in live born infants with CDH did not improve to more than 50% in large series published from high volume centres. However, in the past 10 years there has been an appreciable improvement in survival to the extent that many centres are now reporting survival rates of greater than 80%. Probably the biggest impact on this improvement has been the recognition of the role that ventilation induced lung injury plays in mortality and the need for ECMO rescue. This has ushered in an era of a lung protective or “gentle ventilation” strategy which has been widely adopted as a standard approach. While there have been these radical changes in postnatal management attempts have been made to improve outcome with prenatal interventions, starting with prenatal repair, which was abandoned because of preterm labour. More recently there has been increasing experience in the use of balloon occlusion of the trachea as a prenatal intervention strategy with patients being selected based on prenatal predictors of poor outcome. This approach can only be justified if those predictors can be validated and the outcomes (death or serious long term morbidity) can be shown to be better than those currently achievable, namely 80% survival in high volume CDH centres rather than the 50–60% survival frequently quoted in historical papers.

Factors associated with survival in infants with congenital diaphragmatic hernia requiring extracorporeal membrane oxygenation: a report from the Congenital Diaphragmatic Hernia Study Group

OBJECTIVE

To identify factors associated with survival in patients with congenital diaphragmatic hernia (CDH) treated with extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO).

METHODS

We retrospectively analyzed the data on 3100 patients with CDH in the Congenital Diaphragmatic Hernia Study Group from 82 participating pediatric surgical centers (1995-2004). Covariates considered included prenatal and perinatal clinical information, specifics of surgical repair, and the duration of extracorporeal support.

RESULT

Nine hundred seven patients from the registry were identified as having been both managed with ECMO and undergone attempted surgical repair. The survival rate for the entire Congenital Diaphragmatic Hernia Study Group registry was 67% and 61% for those receiving ECMO in whom repair was attempted (P < .001). Among ECMO-treated children, survivors had a greater estimated gestational age (38 +/- 2 vs 37 +/- 2 weeks; P < .01), greater birth weights (3.2 +/- 0.5 vs 2.9 +/- 0.5 kg; P < .001), were less often prenatally diagnosed (53% vs 63%; P < .01), and were on ECMO for a shorter period of time (9 +/- 5 vs 12 +/- 5 days; P < .001). In logistic regression models, therapy-related variables, including the duration of ECMO, the nature of diaphragmatic repair, and the type of abdominal closure and certain comorbidities, particularly the presence of a concomitant severe cardiac abnormality, were independently associated with outcome.

CONCLUSION

Our model identifies a group of pre-surgical and postsurgical parameters that predict survival rate in patients with CDH on ECMO support. This model was derived from the retrospective data from a large database and will need to be prospectively tested.

Multivariate model for predicting recurrence in congenital diaphragmatic hernia

PURPOSE

Risk factors that predispose children with congenital diaphragmatic hernia (CDH) to recurrence remain poorly defined. We report a large series of recurrent CDH and ask whether prenatal patient factors or postnatal treatment variables better predict recurrence.

METHODS

Two hundred thirty-eight neonates with unilateral CDH underwent repair from 1990 to 2006. Data were assessed by chi(2) and Mann-Whitney U tests. Multivariate regression identified independent predictors of recurrence. Statistical significance was set at P < .05.

RESULTS

We identified 24 recurrences (10%). Median time from repair to recurrence diagnosis was 4.9 months. Patients with recurrence were older (P = .02) and more often required abdominal wall patches at initial repair (P = .01) compared to nonrecurrence patients. Postoperative length of stay (LOS) after initial repair (P < .01) and morbidity (P = .01) were greater in recurrence patients. Use of diaphragm patch at initial repair was greater in patients with recurrence but only approached statistical significance (P = .05). Only 2 variables independently predicted recurrence by multivariate regression as follows: abdominal (not diaphragm) wall patch during initial repair (odds ratio [OR] 3.50; P = .04) and postoperative LOS (OR, 1.012; P = .01).

CONCLUSION

Neonates at risk for CDH recurrence are better identified by postnatal treatment variables than by prenatal patient factors. Although age at repair and diaphragm patch use are greater in recurrence patients, the only factors to independently predict recurrence were postoperative LOS and abdominal wall patch use. These data can help optimize follow-up regimens.

Postdischarge follow-up of infants with congenital diaphragmatic hernia

Infants with congenital diaphragmatic hernia often require intensive treatment after birth, have prolonged hospitalizations, and have other congenital anomalies. After discharge from the hospital, they may have long-term sequelae such as respiratory insufficiency, gastroesophageal reflux, poor growth, neurodevelopmental delay, behavior problems, hearing loss, hernia recurrence, and orthopedic deformities. Structured follow-up for these patients facilitates early recognition and treatment of these complications. In this report, follow-up of infants with congenital diaphragmatic hernia is outlined.

Reduction in ventilator-induced lung injury improves outcome in congenital diaphragmatic hernia?

The purpose of this historical study was to compare the outcome for two treatment strategies, for neonates with congenital diaphragmatic hernia (CDH). The records of 65 infants born between 1991 and 2005 with CDH from a single tertiary care perinatal centre in the United Kingdom were retrospectively reviewed. Conventional mechanical ventilation (CMV) and systemic vasodilators were used from 1991 to 1995 (era 1). High frequency oscillatory ventilation (HFOV) and nitric oxide (NO) were used between 1996 and 2005 (era 2). Main outcome measures were survival and incidence of chronic lung disease. The results showed that the survival rate was 38% (8/21) in era 1 and 73% (32/44) in era 2, 95% CI for difference -59 to -10%. The incidence of chronic lung disease in survivors was 45% (5/11) in era 1 and 30% (9/30) in era 2, 95% CI for difference -18 to 49%. These data show significantly improved survival with elective use of HFOV and NO compared to CMV and systemic vasodilators. The survival results for CDH at St George's Hospital are comparable to those published from other institutions. The results may reflect a reduction in ventilator-induced lung injury with HFOV compared to CMV.

Congenital diaphragmatic hernia: a systematic review and summary of best-evidence practice strategies

OBJECTIVES

Recent reports suggest that specific care strategies improve survival of infants with congenital diaphragmatic hernia (CDH). This review presents details of care from centers reporting high rates of survival among CDH infants.

STUDY DESIGN

We conducted a MEDLINE search (1995 to 2006) and searched all citations in the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials. Studies were included if they contained reports of >20 infants with symptomatic CDH, and >75% survival of isolated CDH.

RESULT

Thirteen reports from 11 centers met inclusion criteria. Overall survival, including infants with multiple anomalies, was 603/763 (79%; range: 69 to 93%). Survival for isolated CDH was 560/661 (85%; range: 78 to 96%). The frequency of extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) use for isolated CDH varied widely among reporting centers 251/622 (40%; range: 11 to 61%), as did survival for infants with isolated CDH placed on ECMO: 149/206 (73%; range: 33 to 86%). There was no suggestion of benefit from use of antenatal glucocorticoids given after 34 weeks gestation or use of postnatal surfactant. Low mortality was frequently attributed to minimizing lung injury and adhering to center-specific criteria for ECMO.

CONCLUSION

Use of strategies aimed at minimizing lung injury, tolerance of postductal acidosis and hypoxemia, and adhering to center-specific criteria for ECMO were strategies most consistently reported by successful centers. The literature lacks randomized clinical trials of these or other care strategies in this complex patient population; prospective studies of safety and long-term outcome are needed.

The split abdominal wall muscle flap repair for large congenital diaphragmatic hernias on extracorporeal membrane oxygenation

BACKGROUND

Numerous techniques exist for repairing large congenital diaphragmatic hernias (CDHs) including prosthetic patches, tissue-engineered grafts, and various muscle flaps. A split abdominal wall muscle flap is a simple, durable way to repair a large diaphragmatic hernia. This technique has not gained widespread use, and some have suggested that it would be inappropriate in the setting of extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) because of bleeding risk. We present our series of diaphragmatic hernias with a focus on those repaired with the split abdominal wall technique while on ECMO.

METHODS

A retrospective, single-institution chart review was performed on all patients who underwent surgical repair for CDH over 6 years beginning in August 2000.

RESULTS

Seventy-five patients underwent repair. Sixteen were performed with patients on ECMO. Of these, 4 were closed primarily, 7 used a prosthetic patch, and 5 used a split abdominal wall muscle flap. Two patients in the prosthetic group developed a recurrent hernia, and 2 required reoperation for bleeding while on ECMO. No reoperations for bleeding were required in the abdominal muscle flap group.

CONCLUSIONS

The split abdominal wall muscle flap can be safely performed on anticoagulated patients. We believe it is a practical option for repairing large CDHs.

Long-term follow up of infants with congenital diaphragmatic hernia

With improving treatment strategies for congenital diaphragmatic hernia (CDH) infants, an increase in survival of more severely affected patients can be expected. Consequently, more attention is now focused on long-term follow up of these patients. Many reports have emphasized associated morbidity, including pulmonary sequelae, neurodevelopmental deficits, gastrointestinal disorders, and other abnormalities. Therefore, survivors of CDH remain a complex patient population to care for throughout infancy and childhood, thus requiring long-term follow up. Much information has been provided from many centers regarding individual institutional improvements in overall survival. Few of these, however, have reported long-term follow up. The aim of this review is to describe the long-term outcome of survivors with CDH and to suggest a possible follow-up protocol for these patients.

Mechanical ventilation strategies in the management of congenital diaphragmatic hernia

Most infants with congenital diaphragmatic hernia (CDH) require respiratory support. The goal of this report is to present an overview of mechanical ventilation strategies in the management of infants with CDH. The anatomic and physiologic limitations in the lungs of infants with diaphragmatic hernia make decisions on the best strategy and use of mechanical ventilation challenging. We will briefly review lung development in infants with CDH, identifying factors that provide a basis for lung protection strategies. Background on the use of specific mechanical ventilation modes and the rationale for each are provided. Finally, we review mechanical ventilation practices described in published case series of successful CDH management, with a brief review of additional treatments, including inhaled nitric oxide and extracorporeal membrane oxygenation. Although details of a single specific best strategy for mechanical ventilation for CDH infants cannot be identified from current literature, a lung protection ventilation approach, regardless of the device used, appears to reduce mortality risk.

Pleural and pericardial effusion: a potential ultrasonographic marker for the prenatal differential diagnosis between congenital diaphragmatic eventration and congenital diaphragmatic hernia

OBJECTIVES

To determine whether or not the presence of pleural and/or pericardial effusion can be used prenatally as an ultrasonographic marker for the differential diagnosis between diaphragmatic eventration and diaphragmatic hernia.

METHODS

We present two case reports of non-isolated diaphragmatic eventration associated with pleural and/or pericardial effusion. Additionally, we reviewed the literature for all cases of congenital diaphragmatic hernia (CDH) and diaphragmatic eventration that met the following criteria: (1) prenatal diagnosis of a diaphragmatic defect and (2) definitive diagnosis by autopsy or surgery. The frequencies of pleural effusion, pericardial effusion and hydrops were compared between the two conditions using Fisher's exact test. A subanalysis was conducted of cases with isolated diaphragmatic defects (i.e. diaphragmatic defects not associated with hydrops and other major structural or chromosomal anomalies).

RESULTS

A higher proportion of fetuses with diaphragmatic eventration had associated pleural and pericardial effusions compared with fetuses with diaphragmatic hernia (58% (7/12) vs. 3.7% (14/382), respectively, P < 0.001). This observation remained true when only cases of diaphragmatic defects not associated with hydrops and other major structural or chromosomal anomalies were compared (29% (2/7) with eventration vs. 2.2% (4/178) with CDH, P < 0.02).

CONCLUSIONS

The presence of pleural and/or pericardial effusion in patients with diaphragmatic defects should raise the possibility of a congenital diaphragmatic eventration. This information is clinically important for management and counseling because the prognosis and treatment for CDH and congenital diaphragmatic eventration are different. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

Implantation of a cone-shaped double-fixed patch increases abdominal space and prevents recurrence of large defects in congenital diaphragmatic hernia

BACKGROUND

Large defects in patients with congenital diaphragmatic hernia (CDH) are frequently closed with a polytetrafluoroethylene patch (PTFE). Intraoperative problems include lack of abdominal domain for the reduction of organs and closure of the abdominal wall. Main surgical postoperative complication is the recurrence of the hernia. We suggest a new and easy method of patch implantation, improving these problems, and report first follow-up results.

METHODS

In our clinic, 103 children with CDH were treated, and 87 children underwent reconstruction of the diaphragm in the 5 years between 1998 and 2002. In 52 patients, a patch implantation had to be performed. We have been optimizing our complete pediatric and surgical procedure and present a new standardized technique of preparation and implantation of a PTFE patch. The flat patch is folded to a 90 degrees cone. The cone is fixed in its form with few single stitches. It is implanted with an overlapping border of 1 cm circumferentially. The border is separately fixed with absorbable single stitches to keep from rolling up. The rough side of the patch points toward the rim of the diaphragm to enable ingrowth of the connective tissue. In a 1-year follow-up study, the recurrences in the 3 following groups of PTFE patches were studied: conventional implantation (simple patch without overlapping border), patch with separately fixed overlapping border, and cone-shaped patch with overlapping separately fixed border.

RESULTS

Thirty-three patients were included in the study. After conventional PTFE-patch implantation, 6 (46%) of 13 patients developed reherniation. After PTFE-patch implantation with separately fixed overlapping border, 1 (11%) of 9 patients had a recurrent hernia. In the group with the PTFE-cone implantation, 1 (9%) of 11 patients developed a recurrence. Meanwhile, another 20 CDH patients received implantation of a cone-shaped patch, and no further recurrence occurred up to now. With the additional space (20 mL) provided by the cone-shaped patch, the closure of the abdomen was easier, and the fundus had intraoperatively a physiological position.

CONCLUSION

This optimized patch implantation technique in large diaphragmatic defects offers considerable advantages especially regarding recurrence of the hernia and closure of the abdomen, which are currently the most challenging surgical problems. 1. The cone-shaped 3-dimensional patch increases abdominal capacity. 2. Redundant chest capacity is reduced, and the reconstructed diaphragm shows a physiological shape. 3. The dome of the patch allows a physiological position of the gastric fundus and a normal Hiss angle, thus preventing gastroesophageal reflux. 4. Additional safety of the implantation is achieved by separate fixation of the overlapping border of the cone, preventing recurrence.

Rescue of the Hypoplastic Lung by Prenatal Cyclical Strain

We determined the effects of sustained and cyclical prenatal mechanical strain on the hypoplastic lung of the ovine model of congenital diaphragmatic hernia. Over a period of 4 weeks in late gestation, repeated cyclical tracheal occlusion for 23 hours with 1-hour release stimulated minimal growth, but promoted maturation with the development of a saccular lung. In contrast, a cycle consisting of 47 hours with 1-hour release induced optimal lung growth and morphologic maturation of the hypoplastic lung parenchyma. Sustained occlusion resulted in exaggerated lung growth, exceeding that of unaffected controls, and abnormal alveolar development. The extent of induction of lung growth by mechanical strain was inversely proportional to the number of alveolar type II cells remaining in the lung epithelium. These studies show that, although mechanical strain is capable of inducing lung growth and differentiation, cyclical strain is a prerequisite for normal development and that mechanically induced growth occurs at the expense of the alveolar type II cell. We conclude that cyclical strain may allow optimal alveolar development while maintaining a population of alveolar type II cells and may thus facilitate an improvement in postnatal lung function in infants with congenital diaphragmatic hernia.

Follow up of infants with congenital diaphragmatic hernia

Survival of patients with congenital diaphragmatic hernia has improved with the introduction of more sophisticated treatments. Long-term follow up has led to the recognition of pulmonary morbidity not previously recognized. In addition, extrapulmonary problems associated with the survival of these high-risk infants are now being identified. This review describes associated morbidities in congenital diaphragmatic hernia survivors and their predictors.

The role of extracorporeal membrane oxygenation in congenital diaphragmatic hernia

The aim of this paper is to review the role of extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) in neonates with severe acute hypoxemic respiratory failure secondary to congenital diaphragmatic hernia (CDH). The difficulties in identifying patients with fatal lung hypoplasia are highlighted and the role of adjunctive therapies on ECMO (surfactant, inhaled nitric oxide, high-frequency ventilation and liquid lung distension) as well as the timing of surgical repair is discussed. Survivors of severe CDH who have been supported on ECMO have significant late mortality and morbidity. There remains a need for a randomized controlled trial of the role of ECMO in neonates with severe CDH.

Surfactant replacement therapy on ECMO does not improve outcome in neonates with congenital diaphragmatic hernia

BACKGROUND PURPOSE

Respiratory failure in neonates with congenital diaphragmatic hernia (CDH) may in part be caused by a primary or secondary surfactant deficiency. Knowledge of the optimal approach to surfactant replacement in neonates with CDH and respiratory failure is limited. The aim of this study was to determine if surfactant replacement on extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) results in improved outcomes in neonates > or =35 weeks' gestation with unrepaired CDH.

METHODS

Using the CDH Study Group Registry, the authors identified 448 neonates with CDH who were > or =35 weeks' gestation, had no major anomalies, were treated with ECMO within the first 7 days of life, and underwent repair on or after ECMO therapy. Patients in 2 groups were compared: group 1 (- Surf, n = 334) consisted of patients who received no surfactant and group 2 (+ Surf, n = 114) consisted of patients who received at least 1 dose of surfactant while on ECMO. An analysis of all patients in both groups was performed. Additionally, subgroup analyses stratified by gestational age were performed for patients 351/7 to 366/7 weeks' gestation and for patients > or =37 weeks' gestation. Primary end-points for the study were survival and length of ECMO run. Secondary end-points were length of intubation, need for supplemental oxygen at 30 days of life, and at discharge to home. Demographic, clinical, and outcome variables were examined using Fisher's Exact tests for categorical variables and using unpaired t tests for continuous variables. Odds ratios were calculated for categorical end-point variables.

RESULTS

Demographic and clinical variables were similar between groups. Analyses of aggregate data showed no significant differences between groups in length of ECMO run, survival, number of days intubated, and percent of patients requiring supplemental oxygen at 30 days or discharge. Subgroup stratification by gestational age did not show significant differences between groups in any of the outcome variables.

CONCLUSIONS

The data from this study suggest that surfactant replacement on ECMO for neonates with congenital diaphragmatic hernia does not provide significant benefit in the infant's clinical course with respect to survival, length of ECMO course, length of intubation, or subsequent need for supplemental oxygen.

Is surfactant therapy beneficial in the treatment of the term newborn infant with congenital diaphragmatic hernia?

OBJECTIVES

To determine the impact of surfactant replacement on survival, need for extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO), and chronic lung disease in term infants with prenatally diagnosed congenital diaphragmatic hernia (CDH).

STUDY DESIGN

Prenatally diagnosed infants born at > or =37 weeks' gestation with immediate distress at delivery and no other major congenital anomalies, who were enrolled in the CDH Registry, were analyzed. For univariate analysis, chi 2 tests were used for categoric variables and unpaired t tests for nominal variables. Multiple logistic regression was used to calculate adjusted odds ratios.

RESULTS

Eligible infants (n = 522) were identified. Demographic variables were similar between the surfactant-treated (n = 192) and nonsurfactant-treated (n = 330) groups, with the exception of race (white, 88.0% vs 71.2%; P =.0007). The use of ECMO and incidence of chronic lung disease were higher (59.8 vs 50.6, P =.04; 59.9 vs 47.6, P =.0066) and survival lower in the surfactant-treated cohort (57.3 vs 70.0, P =.0033). Adjusted logistic regression for use of ECMO, survival, and chronic lung disease resulted in odds ratios inconsistent with an improved outcome associated with surfactant use.

CONCLUSIONS

This analysis shows no benefit associated with surfactant therapy for term infants with a prenatal diagnosis of isolated CDH.

Congenital Diaphragmatic Hernia Repair on Extracorporeal Life Support: A Decade of Lessons Learned

Congenital diaphragmatic hernia (CDH) is a vexing anomaly that manifests with variable pulmonary compromise in neonates. More than one-third of neonates with CDH require extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) for refractory pulmonary hypertension (PHN). To assess the outcome of neonates having CDH repair on ECMO, we reviewed our experience for babies treated between 1992 and 2003. Of 97 neonates with CDH, 40 required ECMO, and 30 were repaired on bypass. Eighteen were supported by veno-venous bypass (VV) and 12 by veno-arterial bypass (VA). While on ECMO, transfusion requirements increased twofold postoperatively (15 to 33 cc · kg-1 · day-1, P = 0.03) and then significantly decreased after decannulation (1.5 cc · kg-1 · day-1, P < 0.01). Non-intracranial hemorrhage occurred in 7 (23%) infants and intracranial hemorrhage in 3 (10%). Twelve (40%) infants died; one (3%) on ECMO secondary to refractory PHN. The mean length of stay for the 18 (60%) survivors was 48 days. Comparisons between survivors and nonsurvivors showed a significantly increased mortality for infants placed on VA bypass ( P < 0.01). However, no other variable was predictive of survival. We conclude that CDH repair on ECMO is technically feasible, shows similar survival to the Extracorporeal Life Support Organization (ELSO) registry, and is associated with few bleeding complications.

Risk of need for extracorporeal membrane oxygenation support in neonates with congenital diaphragmatic hernia treated with inhaled nitric oxide

BACKGROUND

Congenital diaphragmatic hernia (CDH) is often associated with severe pulmonary hypoplasia resulting in hypoxemic respiratory failure unresponsive to advanced medical management including the use of inhaled nitric oxide (iNO). For these patients, extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) serves as the last potentially effective treatment choice. Since the efficacy of iNO in this patient population is not known and since most neonatal intensive care units using iNO for the treatment of these critically ill neonates do not provide ECMO, the ability to more accurately predict which patient is at risk for failing medical management with iNO and requires a timely transfer to an ECMO center can be life saving. Therefore, in this study, we sought to determine the risk factors for the need for ECMO in a cohort of 27 neonates with isolated left CDH and hypoxemic respiratory failure treated with iNO.

STUDY DESIGN

In this retrospective study, 27 patients with left CDH were identified during a 2-year period. During the study period, strict clinical guidelines had been used to standardize iNO therapy, to provide adequate lung inflation and cardiovascular support, and to recognize treatment failures and the need for ECMO. Logistic regression analysis was used to study the relationship between the need for ECMO and a set of suspected risk factors.

RESULTS

When subjected to logistic regression analysis, only the presence of a pneumothorax remained significantly associated with the need for ECMO (OR=22; 95% CI=2.18 to 222), while none of the other variables examined such as mean airway pressure, FiO2, PaO2, or PaCO2 were predictors for the need of ECMO after 6 hours of treatment with iNO.

CONCLUSION

These data indicate that a prompt transfer to an ECMO center should be initiated for hypoxemic patients with CDH receiving medical management with iNO if they develop an air leak syndrome.

Long-term outcome following extracorporeal membrane oxygenation for congenital diaphragmatic hernia: the UK experience

OBJECTIVE

We evaluated the long-term outcome of neonates receiving extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) for congenital diaphragmatic hernia (CDH). Study design A retrospective review of all 73 neonates with CDH supported with ECMO in the United Kingdom between 1991 and 2000, with follow-up to January 2003. Information was from hospital charts and from communication with family doctors and pediatricians. Median follow-up period for survivors was 67 months.

RESULTS

46 infants (63%) were weaned from ECMO, 42 (58%) survived to hospital discharge, and 27 (37%) survived to age 1 year or more. A higher birth weight, higher 5-minute Apgar score, and postnatal diagnosis were "pre-ECMO" predictors of long-term survival. Comorbidity was common in long-term survivors: 13 (48%) had respiratory symptoms, 16(59%) had gastrointestinal problems, and 6 (19%) had severe neurodevelopmental problems. Only 7 children were free of significant neurodevelopmental deficit and required no further medical or surgical intervention.

CONCLUSION

Using the current referral criteria, ECMO can be used to support the sickest neonates with CDH. However, there is significant mortality in the first year of life, and long-term physical and neurodevelopmental morbidity remains in the majority of survivors.

Nihilism in the 1990s: the true mortality of congenital diaphragmatic hernia

OBJECTIVE

Reported survival in congenital diaphragmatic hernia (CDH) fails to allow for case selection bias. This study reports the incidence of CDH in a geographically defined population over 11 years and assesses the effect of new therapies (high-frequency oscillatory ventilation, extracorporeal membrane oxygenation, inhaled nitric oxide, and delayed surgery) on survival when case selection is avoided.

METHODS

A retrospective review of cases from a regional case registry, the Northern Region Congenital Anomaly Survey, was conducted.

RESULTS

A total of 185 cases were identified. Mortality was 62% and did not vary significantly during the study period. Mortality was unaffected by the introduction of new therapies. There was a significant inverse correlation between the rate of elective termination and survival of live borns. The presence of an additional anomaly increased mortality to 79%.

CONCLUSIONS

The mortality of CDH when complete case ascertainment is achieved is unaffected by new therapies. The survival rate is principally determined by the rate of antenatal termination and the incidence of associated anomalies. Reports of improved survival of CDH should be interpreted with caution, as variations in outcome are more likely to be explained by case selection artifact.

Survival in early- and late-term infants with congenital diaphragmatic hernia treated with extracorporeal membrane oxygenation

BACKGROUND

Congenital diaphragmatic hernia (CDH) is a malformation of the diaphragm that allows bowel to enter the thoracic cavity, resulting in pulmonary hypoplasia and pulmonary hypertension. Approximately 50% of CDH patients are treated with extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO). The optimal gestational age for delivery of term infants with CDH at high risk for requiring ECMO is not known. The goal of this study was to compare survival of infants with CDH receiving ECMO born early term (38 0/7-39 6/7 weeks' gestation) with those born late term (40 0/7-41 6/7 weeks' gestation). Changes in survival rates of term infants and the factors associated with these changes were assessed over the 25 years that ECMO has been available.

DESIGN

Retrospective cohort study of infants with CDH treated with ECMO.

DATA SOURCES

The Extracorporeal Life Support Organization registry of patients treated at active Extracorporeal Life Support Organization centers from April 1976 through June 2001.

ANALYSIS

Survival and clinical predictors of survival were compared between infants born early term (38 0/7-39 6/7 weeks' gestation) and infants born late term (40 0/7-41 6/7 weeks' gestation). Changes in survival rates over time and factors associated with survival were evaluated.

RESULTS

Among full-term infants with CDH treated with ECMO, late-term compared with early-term delivery was associated with improved survival (63% vs 53%). Among full-term survivors of ECMO, late-term infants spent less time on ECMO (181 vs 197 hours) and less time in the hospital (60 vs 67 days). In multivariate analysis, greater birth weight, higher 5-minute Apgar score, higher arterial pH and PCO(2) <50 torr before ECMO, and absence of a prenatal diagnosis of CDH were associated with survival. Since the late 1980s, survival of infants with CDH requiring ECMO decreased from 63% to 52%. The decreased survival rate was associated with increased rates of prenatal diagnosis, early-term delivery, lower birth weight, longer ECMO runs, and more frequent complications on ECMO.

CONCLUSIONS

Among term infants with CDH receiving ECMO, late-term delivery compared with early-term delivery is associated with improved survival, shorter ECMO duration, shorter hospital length of stay, and fewer complications on ECMO. These data suggest that, at least for the approximately 50% of CDH patients treated with ECMO, outcomes for infants with CDH may be improved by delay of elective delivery until 40 completed weeks of gestation.

Congenital diaphragmatic hernia: evaluation of prenatal diagnosis in 20 European regions

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate prenatal diagnosis of congenital diaphragmatic hernia by ultrasound in well-defined European populations.

DESIGN

Data from 20 registries of congenital malformations in 12 European countries were included. The prenatal ultrasound screening programs in the countries ranged from no routine screening to three ultrasound investigations per patient being routinely performed.

RESULTS

There were 187 cases with congenital diaphragmatic hernia, with an overall prenatal detection rate of 59% (110/187). There was considerable variation in prenatal detection rate between regions. There was a significant difference in the detection rate of isolated congenital diaphragmatic hernia (59/116, 51%) compared with congenital diaphragmatic hernia associated with multiple malformations, karyotype anomalies or syndromes (51/71, 72%) (P = 0.01). Termination of pregnancy was performed in 39 cases (21%) of which 14 cases were isolated congenital diaphragmatic hernia. Mean gestational age at discovery was 24.2 weeks (range, 11-38 weeks).

CONCLUSIONS

The overall prenatal detection rate of congenital diaphragmatic hernia is high (59%) but varies significantly between European regions. The gestational age at discovery was greater than 24 weeks in half of the prenatally diagnosed cases.

Congenital diaphragmatic hernia

Over the last two decades there has been a constant improvement in the understanding of the pathophysiology of Congenital Diaphragmatic Hernia (CDH) and its management. However, the ideal treatment remains elusive. The earlier management strategy of immediate surgery is replaced by the principle of physiological stabilisation and delayed surgery. Conventional mechanical ventilatory techniques, with high pressures and hyperventilation to reverse ductal shunting and cause alkalinization, are being questioned because of the risks of barotrauma and consequent broncho-pulmonary dysplasia. It has also been shown that paralysis with pancuronium bromide for patients on conventional mechanical ventilation results in increased incidence of sensorineural hearing loss in childhood survivors of CDH. With the introduction of the concept of permissive hypercapnia and high frequency oscillation ventilation, the complications of pulmonary barotrauma are circumvented. Although ECMO therapy is invasive, yet has improved survival by about 15% independently, especially in critically ill infants who have the predictive mortality rate of more than 80%. Further insights into the pathophysiology of CDH and the introduction of less invasive therapeutic techniques in the form of high frequency oscillation ventilation, inhalation nitric oxide, surfactant, and perfluorocarbon liquid ventilation may even make the need for ECMO redundant.

Outcome of congenital diaphragmatic hernia

The outcome of congenital diaphragmatic hernia (CDH) differs for different stages of the fetus or infant's life (i.e., antenatal, immediate postnatal, and postoperative). Assessing combined data from nonrandomized studies is technically difficult. Following recognized methods of reviewing such trials, we aimed to review the available literature on the outcome of CDH to provide a guide to clinicians when counselling parents who have a fetus/infant with this condition. Thirty-five studies reporting data for CDH from 1985 to March 1998 were identified using a high sensitive search strategy, hand-searching journals, and reviewing references of relevant studies. These were systematically reviewed. The median overall mortality was 58% (interquartile range (IQR), 43-65%) for babies diagnosed in utero, 48% (IQR, 35-55%) if born alive, and 33% (IQR, 18-54%) postoperatively. Diagnosis before 25 weeks of gestation is not a uniformly bad prognostic indicator (median mortality, 60%). Outcome was worse for those fetuses with other anomalies (median mortality, 93%). The median percentage mortality for all infants born alive and treated in extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) centers was 34% (IQR, 26-47%). Median percentage mortality for all ECMO-treated infants was 44% (IQR, 35-50%). Different treatment strategies may have a variable impact on outcome. These figures, together with local data, may help in parental counselling on prognosis for fetuses/infants with CDH.

Congenital diaphragmatic hernia: a meta-analysis of mortality factors

PURPOSE

The aim of this study was to review all available studies reported in the English-language literature from 1975 through 1998, and by meta-analysis assess the importance of prenatal diagnosis, associated malformations, side of hernia, timing of surgery, and study population on mortality rates in patients with congenital diaphragmatic hernia (CDH).

METHODS

One-hundred-two studies were identified, and 51 studies (2,980 patients) fulfilled the prespecified inclusion criteria. Studies were grouped according to study population into: (I) fetuses diagnosed prenatally; (II) neonates admitted to a treatment center; and (III) population-based studies.

RESULTS

Pooled total mortality rate was significantly higher in category I than in category III (75.6% v 58.2%, P < .001). Pooled hidden postnatal mortality rate (deaths before admittance to a treatment center) in population-based studies was 34.9%. Prenatally diagnosed patients in both category II and III had significantly higher mortality rates than those diagnosed postnatally. Mortality rates were significantly higher among CDH infants with associated major malformations compared with isolated CDH in all 3 categories. An increased mortality rate in right-sided CDH was found in category II and III.

CONCLUSIONS

Prenatal diagnosis of CDH, presence of associated major malformations, and the study population have a major influence on mortality rate. The very high mortality rate in studies of fetuses with a prenatal diagnosis of CDH should be taken into account in prenatal counselling.

[Congenital hernia of the diaphragm. A retrospective study of 123 cases recorded in the Neonatal Medicine Department, URHC in Lille between 1985 and 1996]

BACKGROUND

During the last ten years, new therapeutic strategies have been used in order to improve the management of congenital diaphragmatic hernia (CDH). CDH is associated with pulmonary hypoplasia, abnormal pulmonary vascular reactivity and pulmonary immaturity. Between 1985 and 1990, mechanical hyperventilation and early surgery were provided systematically. Since 1991, the management of CDH in our institution has involved a preoperative stabilization with exogenous surfactant replacement, gentle ventilation, high-frequency oscillation, nitric oxide or extracorporeal membrane oxygenation.

PURPOSE

To analyse the impact of the new therapeutic strategy on the survival and outcome of newborns with CDH.

METHODS

Retrospective review of all infants with CDH admitted to our institution from 1985 through 1996. Mortality and morbidity were compared between period I (1985-1990) and period II (1991-1996).

RESULTS

Between 1985 and 1996, 123 neonates were admitted to our Neonatal Department. Nine of them had another severe congenital malformation and were excluded from the study. Survival was 23% (12/52) in period I and 56% (35/62) in period II (p < 0.001). In period II, complications were more frequent among survivors in whom an extracorporeal membrane oxygenation was required (13 infants): bronchopulmonary dysplasia 77% (10/13), gastroesophageal reflux 61% (8/13), and hypotrophy 61% (8/13).

CONCLUSION

These data demonstrate a significant improvement in survival in CDH since the implementation of new therapeutic modalities. Nevertheless, a significant morbidity exists among the infants who survive a severe respiratory failure.

Does extracorporeal membrane oxygenation improve survival in neonates with congenital diaphragmatic hernia? The Congenital Diaphragmatic Hernia Study Group

BACKGROUND/PURPOSE

The benefit of extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) in improving survival of neonates with congenital diaphragmatic hernia (CDH) has never been clearly demonstrated. This may be due to comparisons made between treatment groups of unequal illness severity and the low statistical power of analyses from previous studies. The authors analyzed the data from the multicenter CDH registry to determine if ECMO improves survival in CDH neonates with a high risk of mortality.

METHODS

A total of 730 neonates were enrolled in the CDH Registry from January 1995 to November 1997. Of these, 632 neonates had a complete data set and were eligible for ECMO by the weight criterion of greater than 2.0 kg. Multivariate logistic regression analysis was used to assess mortality risk for each neonate based on previously validated independent predictors of survival: birth weight and 5-minute Apgar. Five quintile groups were defined based on increasing predictive mortality risk. Multivariate logistic regression and chi2 analyses with birth weight, Apgar score at 5 minutes, and predictive mortality risk as covariates were then performed to assess survival benefit of ECMO compared with conventional therapy alone. Patient survival rate was defined as survival to discharge from hospital.

RESULTS

When analyzing all 632 neonates, ECMO neonates (n = 289) had a decidedly lower survival rate (52.9% v 77.3%, P< .001) than non-ECMO neonates (n = 343) without standardizing for the degree of illness. However, when taking into account the patients' predictive mortality risk, ECMO was associated with improved survival in the neonates with mortality risk < or = 80% (P < .05). Furthermore, ECMO was shown to be a positive independent predictor of survival when accounting for the covariates of birth weight, 5-minute Apgar, and mortality risk (P < .05).

CONCLUSIONS

ECMO significantly improves survival rates for those CDH neonates with a predictive mortality risk > or = 80%. Generally, the more critically ill the patient with CDH, the more marked the survival benefit obtained.

Postnatal pulmonary hypertension after repair of congenital diaphragmatic hernia: predicting risk and outcome

BACKGROUND

Pulmonary hypertension (PH) after congenital diaphragmatic hernia (CDH) repair remains a significant cause of morbidity and mortality. Although treatment advances have improved overall survival, a new cohort of patients is surviving with PH beyond the postnatal period. Because the clinical entity of postnatal persistent pulmonary hypertension (PPHTN) in CDH patients has not been published, the authors undertook a retrospective study of our neonatal CDH experience to characterize this group of infants.

METHODS

Charts of all infants with CDH treated at this institution from January 1991 to June 1997 were reviewed (n = 51). Persistent pulmonary hypertension by echocardiographic (Echo) measurements at the time of discharge identified PPHTN patients. Control survivors had normal pulmonary artery pressures at discharge. Physiological parameters and the results of therapeutic interventions were analyzed to predict PPHTN.

RESULTS

Seven infants (four boys, three girls) had PPHTN at discharge. Significant differences with the control group were noted in length of stay, duration of intubation, and duration of nitric oxide therapy. Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) duration was not significantly different between the groups. By 12 months of age, PPHTN resolved in six patients (87%), and one died at 13 months. Regardless of therapy, two parameters showed 100% positive predictive value for identifying patients with PPHTN (P < .001): an Echo demonstrating PH at 2 months of age or continued oxygen requirement at 3 months. Oxygen requirement at 2 months had a 67% predictive value of PPHTN.

CONCLUSIONS

With current treatment strategies for CDH, infants can survive with persistent pulmonary hypertension beyond the newborn period. The long-term survival rate is excellent, and normalization of pulmonary artery pressures can be expected. PPHTN can be predicted in those infants with Echo-defined pulmonary hypertension at 2 months.