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Transuterine Fetal Tracheal Occlusion Model in Mice
Published on: February 5, 2021
Relationship between fetal brain development and congenital diaphragmatic hernia
Charline Bradshaw1, Alena Uus2, Jordina Aviles Verdera2
1Centre for the Developing Brain, School of Biomedical Engineering & Imaging Sciences, King's College London, United Kingdom; Institute of Women and Children's Health, School of Life Course and Population Sciences, King's College London, United Kingdom.
None:
Congenital diaphragmatic hernia (CDH) is a complex fetal anomaly primarily associated with pulmonary hypoplasia and persistent pulmonary hypertension, but emerging evidence suggests that associated neurodevelopmental impairment may begin antenatally. This review examines current literature demonstrating alterations in fetal brain development in CDH, including regional reductions in brain volume, disrupted cortical architecture, and altered cerebral perfusion identified through fetal Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) and Ultrasound-Doppler studies. Animal models further implicate hypoxia, impaired vascularisation, and neuroinflammation as contributing factors. These findings support a multifactorial pathogenesis involving hemodynamic and inflammatory mechanisms. Understanding antenatal brain changes in CDH may inform future prognostication and assist in optimising antenatal and postnatal management.
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