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CHERUBS UK - ABOUT CDH
Congenital Diaphragmatic Hernia (CDH) is a birth defect that occurs when the diaphragm does not fully form, allowing organs to enter the chest cavity, and thus preventing lung growth. CDH affects 1 in every 2500 babies, of all races, religious backgrounds, and financial status - no matter how good the antenatal care. The cause is not yet known. 50% of these babies do not survive and sometimes the remaining 50% have to overcome very difficult medical complications. Many CDH babies have minor lasting health problems such as feeding aversions, asthma, scoliosis, or short-term oxygen dependency. A small number have major lasting health problems such as ventilator dependency, brain damage, or hearing problems. Many patients have no long-lasting medical problems at all other than a scar from the CDH repair. CDH can occur alone or with other birth defects, and, rarely, it occurs as part of a syndrome. Every CDH baby is different; there is no way to predict the outcome of any patient. Some babies with no diaphragm and little lung growth survive, while some babies with full lungs do not. These children are very different, requiring different treatments, and varying amounts of medical support.
The following sketch shows a normal chest on the left and a chest with diaphragmatic hernia on the right. Taken from original artwork from Jane Foster, Norfolk and Norwich SCBU.
Disclaimer: The information contained on all pages of this website is for education only. It is not meant to be used in place of proper medical care and advice. Cherubs UK does not encourage or discourage any medical treatment or procedures. Our purpose is to educate families and medical care providers so that they may make the best decisions for the patient's interests. You cannot compare your child to other children with CDH, they are all different. The opinions aired by members are not necessarily the views of all members, staff or of CHERUBS UK, CHERUBS or CHERUBS Australia.
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