Diaphragmatic Hernia

“Congenital diaphragmatic hernia (CDH) occurs when the diaphragm, the muscle that separates the chest from the abdomen, fails to close during prenatal development. This opening allows contents of the abdomen (stomach, intestines and/or liver) to migrate into the chest, impacting the growth and development of the lungs. The lungs will be smaller than expected (pulmonary hypoplasia), and will have less developed blood vessels. This causes high blood pressure in the lungs (pulmonary hypertension).

CDH is one of the most common major congenital anomalies, occurring in 1 of every 2,500 – 3,000 live births. CDH can occur on the left or right side, or rarely on both sides. Newborns affected with CDH will require immediate care at delivery, so early and accurate diagnosis is important.” Read More

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