From
EUPSA/ERNICA
What is Congenital Diaphragmatic Hernia (CDH)? An ERNICA animation for parents and families
Chapter 1 of 4 · Fundamentals
CDH anatomy
Normal diaphragm anatomy and CDH pathophysiology
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Educational content from recorded physician discussions — not medical advice. Talk to your (or your child's) care team about your situation.
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What the experts said
The diaphragm is a muscle separating the chest from the abdomen.
Sometimes a baby's diaphragm does not form properly during pregnancy, resulting in an opening in the diaphragm.
It is most common for the diaphragmatic opening to be on the left side, but it can be on the right side or both.
Contents of the abdomen, such as the stomach, intestine, and or liver, can go through the opening into the chest in CDH.
CDH is classed as a rare birth defect.
CDH can sometimes happen alongside other malformations, but in most cases it is sporadic.
The cause of CDH is largely unknown, but it has been associated with other rare genetic diseases.
The presence of abdominal contents in the chest impacts the growth and development of the baby's lungs, normally leading to small lungs (hypoplasia) and poor lung function.
CDH can affect the heart by pushing it out of its normal position and competing for space.
A diagnosis of CDH can be made before birth using ultrasound and MRI.
Ongoing care for babies with CDH should be provided at a specialist center by a dedicated team of professionals with knowledge and experience of CDH.
Some unborn babies with CDH may be suitable for surgical intervention before birth (fetal therapy) to support lung development.
CDH is a serious condition and can be life threatening for the baby before and after birth.
Many babies with CDH do survive.
After birth, babies with CDH receive immediate care and assessment and are transferred to a dedicated intensive care unit.
Babies with CDH require assistance with breathing and feeding and other intensive care support.
When the baby is stable, surgery can take place to close the opening in the diaphragm.
The amount of time a baby with CDH will spend in hospital differs depending on the severity of the CDH, any complications, and how well they respond to treatment.
Follow up care by a multidisciplinary team (MDT) is required for babies with CDH.
Some babies with CDH may experience ongoing difficulties such as feeding difficulties that require different types and levels of care.
Identifying any complications or difficulties early in babies with CDH is very important.