Early outcome of congenital diaphragmatic hernia in a Malaysian tertiary centre.

Introduction: This prospective observational study was conducted to determine the outcome of newborns with congenital diaphragmatic hernia (CDH). They were managed with a protocol of gentle ventilation to avoid barotraumas, and inhaled nitric oxide (iNO) or intravenous magnesium sulphate for treatment of persistent pulmonary hypertension of newborns (PPHN). Methods: All newborns with CDH admitted to neonatal intensive care unit of this hospital during the six-year study period were recruited. High frequency oscillatory ventilation was used when infants required peak inspiratory pressure of more than 25 mmHg. iNO at 20 ppm or intravenous magnesium sulphate was used when PPHN developed. Arterial blood pH was maintained between 7.35 and 7.45, and partial pressure of arterial carbon dioxide was kept above 35 mmHg. Surgery was performed when the infants’ general condition and blood gases were stabilised for at least 24 hours.