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An infant with diaphragmatic eventration and respiratory distress

A M Zicari1, G Tancredi, A Rugiano

  • 1Department of Pediatrics, Sapienza University of Rome, Roma, Italy. annamaria.zicari@uniroma1.it

Journal of Biological Regulators and Homeostatic Agents
|December 3, 2010
PubMed

Insights

In infants with congenital diaphragmatic eventration, gastroesophageal reflux is a common cause of persistent respiratory symptoms. Proton pump inhibitor (PPI) therapy should be considered before surgical intervention.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Surgery
  • Gastroenterology
  • Pulmonology

Background:

  • Partial diaphragmatic eventration is a rare congenital anomaly.
  • Infants may present with recurrent wheezing and respiratory distress.

Observation:

  • A 4-month-old infant with partial diaphragmatic eventration experienced persistent respiratory symptoms despite standard therapies and surgery.
  • Gastroesophageal reflux was suspected and confirmed via pH-metry.

Findings:

  • Proton pump inhibitor (PPI) therapy led to significant clinical improvement in the infant.
  • This suggests a strong link between diaphragmatic eventration, respiratory symptoms, and gastroesophageal reflux.

Implications:

  • In infants with congenital diaphragmatic eventration and respiratory symptoms, gastroesophageal reflux should be investigated.
  • Consider PPI therapy before surgical correction to potentially improve outcomes and avoid unnecessary procedures.

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