Probing The Prognostic Factors of Neonatal Outcomes in Congenital Diaphragmatic Hernia

Abstract

Abstract:

Background: Congenital diaphragmatic hernia or CDH is a complex deformity with a significant death rate, particularly in developing countries. Several prognostic factors affect the outcome of CDH including pre-maturity, low birth weight, ante-natal diagnosis, pulmonary hypertension and associated cardiac anomalies.

Objective: To identify and compare factors affecting the outcome of CDH in neonates among survivors and non-survivors.

Study Design: It was a descriptive case series

Place and Duration of Study: The study was conducted from January 2024 to July 2024 at The University of Child Health Sciences and The Children’s Hospital, Lahore

Methods: Prospective data of 60 neonates presenting to our institution with the diagnosis of CDH was reviewed for its outcome, and associated factors were analyzed.

Results: The survival rate was 51.7%. We identified that early age of presentation, birth weight, prematurity, and pulmonary hypertension were the poor prognostic factors. Factors like gender, prenatal diagnosis, cardiac anomaly, arterial blood gases on admission, side of the defect, and intrathoracic liver did not have any effect on the outcome.

Conclusion: We concluded that we can improve the outcome of CDH in our setup by improving our pre- and post-natal care, aseptic measures and by treating pulmonary hypertension effectively.