Stomach position as an in utero predictor of neonatal outcome in left-sided diaphragmatic hernia

An 8-year review of neonates with left-sided congenital diaphragmatic hernia who presented in severe respiratory distress at birth was retrospectively reviewed looking at stomach position, thoracic or abdominal, as a predictor of survivability. Survival was 93% with the stomach below the diaphragm compared with 29% when the stomach was thoracic in location. Stomach position may be an important early in utero predictor of high mortality in neonates with left-sided congenital diaphragmatic hernias.