do Carmo et al reported a number of prognostic factors associated with 1-year mortality for an infant with congenital diaphragmatic hernia (CDH). These can help to identify an infant who may require more aggressive management. The authors are from multiple institutions in Brazil.
Patient selection: congenital diaphragmatic hernia
Outcome: 1-year mortality
Prognostic factors associated with 1-year mortality:
(1) polyhydramnios
(2) gestational age when diagnosed (mean 19 weeks)
(3) other congenital abnormalities
(4) low PaO2 of first blood gas (mean 48 mm Hg vs 83)
(5) high PaCO2 of first blood gas (mean 68 mm Hg vs 52)
(6) pulmonary hypoplasia
(7) use of preoperative vasoactive agents (pressors)
(8) use of nitric oxide
(9) Apgar score at 1 minute < 7
(10) Apgar score at 5 minutes < 7
Factors associated with improved survival:
(1) hernia contents only intestines
