Congenital Diaphragmatic Hernia: The Neonatologist’s Perspective

During the past 10 years, significant changes have occurred in the diagnosis and management of congenital diaphragmatic hernia (CDH). The unsuspected birth of an infant who has CDH, the emergency transfer to a center where a pediatric surgeon and neonatologist are available, and the rush to the operating room for repair are a memory. Today we frequently provide prenatal counseling to parents of fetuses who are diagnosed as having CDH in utero, and a myriad of antenatal and postnatal therapies are available. Yet, the quest for therapeutic approaches that will optimize survival for the severely affected infant continues. Several new therapies on the horizon offer promise for the future.