Etiological aspects of congenital diaphragmatic hernia: results of a case comparison study.

We report the results of a parental questionnaire concerning possible etiological and teratological factors, such as exposure to herbicides, in the development of congenital diaphragmatic hernia (CDH). The herbicide Nitrofen interferes with lung development in rats, can induce diaphragmatic hernia and greatly resembles thyroid hormone. No association with the studied teratogens nor with maternal thyroid dysfunction was found.

Congenital diaphragmatic hernia: impact of preoperative stabilization. A prospective pilot study in 13 patients.

In case of congenital diaphragmatic hernia (CDH), survival generally depends not on prenatal diagnosis, planned delivery, and immediate postnatal operation, but on the gravity of pulmonary hypoplasia and persistent hypertension (PPH). Many vasoactive drugs have become available for lowering PPH, but the mortality rate for CDH still amounts to 40% to 70%. Preoperative stabilization might prevent or at least reduce the risk of PPH.