(Hernia—Diaphragmatic; Congenital Hernia of the Diaphragm)
Definition
Definition
Diaphragmatic hernia is a congenital defect in which an opening is present in the diaphragm at birth. The diaphragm is the partition separating the chest and abdominal cavities. The abnormal opening allows some of the organs typically found in the abdomen to move into the chest cavity. In infants born with diaphragmatic hernia, the abdominal organs push up against the lungs. This prevents the lungs from developing normally.
Diaphragmatic hernia is a serious condition with many potential complications and side effects.
Causes
Causes
Diaphragmatic hernia is caused by a failure of the diaphragm to completely fuse during fetal development.
Diaphragmatic Hernia—Stomach and Intestines Move into Chest CavityCopyright © Nucleus Medical Media, Inc.
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Risk Factors
Risk Factors
Factors that may increase the risk of diaphragmatic hernia include:
- Chromosomal syndromes
- Maternal alcohol use
- Pregestational diabetes in the mother
Symptoms
Symptoms
Symptoms include:
- Severe respiratory distress, including rapid breathing, grunting, use of accessory muscles, and bluish tint to the skin from lack of oxygen
- Asymmetrical or increased diameter of the chest wall
- Concave abdomen
Diagnosis
Diagnosis
Diagnosis is frequently made on prenatal ultrasound.
If not found prior to birth, a physical exam will be done. A
may be done to confirm the presence of abdominal organs in the chest cavity.
Images may be taken of your child’s bodily structures. This can be done with achest x-ray.
Treatment
Treatment
Treatment includes the following:
Surgery
Surgery to repair the defect and move the organs into the abdomen may be done. Surgery involves either sewing the edges of the diaphragm together, or if the hole is too large, using an artificial patch to fully close the hole. Fetal surgery may be offered at some institutions.
Respiratory Support
Aggressive respiratory support, including intubation with mechanical ventilation, is often needed. Different ventilator strategies may be used. Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO), or cardiopulmonary bypass, may be necessary.
Prevention
Prevention
There is no known prevention for diaphragmatic hernia.
RESOURCES:
Healthy Children—American Academy of Pediatrics http://www.healthychildren.org
CANADIAN RESOURCES:
References:
http://www.cincinnatichildrens.org/health/c/diaphragmatic-hernias
Updated December 2013. Accessed January 14, 2015.
Congenital diaphragmatic hernia. EBSCO DynaMed website. Available at:
http://www.ebscohost.com/dynamed
Updated December 2, 2014. Accessed January 14, 2015.
Congenital diaphragmatic hernia. The Fetal Treatment Center. The University of California, San Francisco website. Available at:
http://fetus.ucsfmedicalcenter.org/cdh
Accessed January 14, 2015.
2/3/2014 DynaMed’s Systematic Literature Surveillance
http://www.ebscohost.com/dynamed:
McAteer JP, Hecht A, et al. Maternal medical and behavioral risk factors for congenital diaphragmatic hernia. J Pediatr Surg. 2014 Jan;49(1):34-8.
Last Updated: 5/1/2014