Long-term morbidity of congenital diaphragmatic hernia: A plea for standardization

Area of Science:

• Pediatric Surgery
• Neonatology
• Developmental Pediatrics

Background:

• Congenital diaphragmatic hernia (CDH) is a serious birth defect with significant long-term health implications.
• CDH survivors experience morbidities across neurodevelopmental, gastrointestinal, pulmonary, and musculoskeletal systems.
• The long-term consequences of CDH are increasingly recognized, impacting quality of life.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the spectrum of long-term sequelae in congenital diaphragmatic hernia survivors.
• To evaluate the impact of contemporary treatments on CDH outcomes.
• To analyze the structure and effectiveness of established follow-up programs for CDH patients.

Main Methods:

• Comprehensive literature review of studies on congenital diaphragmatic hernia survivors.
• Analysis of data on neurodevelopmental, gastrointestinal, pulmonary, and musculoskeletal outcomes.
• Evaluation of current treatment modalities and follow-up care protocols.

Main Results:

• CDH survivors exhibit a wide range of chronic morbidities.
• Health-related quality of life is often compromised in a significant proportion of patients.
• Variability exists in the design and consistency of follow-up programs globally.

Conclusions:

• Long-term sequelae are a critical consideration for congenital diaphragmatic hernia care.
• Optimized follow-up programs are essential for managing CDH survivors' complex health needs.
• Further research is needed to standardize and improve long-term management strategies.