First 24-h SNAP-II score and highest PaCO2 predict the need for ECMO in congenital diaphragmatic hernia.

Background/purpose: Early clinical predictors for the use of ECMO in patients with congenital diaphragmatic hernia (CDH) are lacking. We sought to evaluate the first 24-h SNAP-II score and highest PaCO2 as predictors of ECMO support and in-hospital mortality in neonates with CDH.

Methods: Retrospective review of 47 consecutive neonates with CDH admitted to our institution from January 2007 to December 2010 was performed.