Lower Distending Pressure Improves Respiratory Mechanics in Congenital Diaphragmatic Hernia Complicated by Persistent Pulmonary Hypertension.

Objective: To investigate the effects of distending pressures on respiratory mechanics and pulmonary circulation in newborn infants with congenital diaphragmatic hernia (CDH) and persistent pulmonary hypertension (PPHN).

Study Design: In total, 17 consecutive infants of ≥37 weeks of gestational age with CDH and PPHN were included in this prospective, randomized, crossover pilot study. Infants were assigned randomly to receive 2 or 5 cmHO of positive end-expiratory pressure (PEEP) for 1 hour in a crossover design.