Congenital Diaphragmatic Hernia: Analysis on Factors Affecting Survival

Thirty cases of early-onset congenital diaphragmatic hernia were admitted to National Taiwan University Hospital from 1976 to 1990. The mortality rate has increased in recent years, with an overall mortalty rate of 26.7%. Low PH value of initial blood gas, early onset of symptoms at birth and total absence of hemidiaphragm were the three most poor prognostic factors (P＜0.01). Preoperative stabilization of those patients with an initial Pit value less than 7.2 may be helpful (P＜0.04).