Mortality Rate and Prognostic Factors in Patients with Congenital Diaphragmatic Hernia: A Retrospective Study

Authors

Heidi Al-Wassia, Department of Pediatrics, King Abdulaziz University Hospital, Faculty of Medicine, King Abdulaziz University Jeddah, Saudi ArabiaFollow
Mazen Kurdi, Department of Pediatric Surgery, King Abdulaziz University Hospital, Faculty of Medicine, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
Maha Bamehriz, Department of Pediatrics, King Abdulaziz University Hospital, Faculty of Medicine, King Abdulaziz University Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
Amani Al-Haddad, Department of Pediatric Surgery, King Abdulaziz University Hospital, Faculty of Medicine, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
Maidah Algarni, Department of Pediatric Surgery, King Abdulaziz University Hospital, Faculty of Medicine, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
Nasir M. Bustangi, Department of Pediatric Surgery, King Abdulaziz University Hospital, Faculty of Medicine, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia

Abstract

Background: Congenital diaphragmatic hernia (CDH) is a rare anomaly associated with pulmonary hypoplasia and pulmonary hypertension of the newborn.

Objectives: This study aimed to elucidate factors associated with in-hospital mortality in neonates and young children with CDH.

Patients and Methods: All neonates and children up to five years with delayed diagnosis of CDH born at or transferred to our tertiary training and research hospital in Saudi Arabia from January 2015 to December 2022 were included. Patients above five years of age, those with post-surgical CDH recurrence, and those with diaphragmatic events were excluded.

Results: 36 patients were included with an overall mortality rate of 41.6% (15/36). Lower age at diagnosis (P < .001), inotrope use, and inhaled nitric oxide (iNO) use (P < .001 and P = .010, respectively) were identified as poor prognostic factors that signified more severe pulmonary involvement and higher mortality. However, undergoing timely surgical repair of CDH was a good prognostic factor. All 21 survivors underwent surgery, whereas only four of the 15 non-survivors received surgical intervention (P < .001).

Conclusion: CDH continues to levy a substantial in-hospital mortality and morbidity in Western Saudi Arabia. Regional practice guidelines and a consensus-driven management framework to improve outcomes are needed.

First Page

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Last Page

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Recommended Citation

Al-Wassia, Heidi; Kurdi, Mazen; Bamehriz, Maha; Al-Haddad, Amani; Algarni, Maidah; and Bustangi, Nasir M. (2025) "Mortality Rate and Prognostic Factors in Patients with Congenital Diaphragmatic Hernia: A Retrospective Study," Journal of King Abdulaziz University: Medical Sciences: Vol. 32: Iss. 1, Article 4.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.64064/1658-4279.1003

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