Chest wall deformities in CDH survivors Children with CDH are at high risk for pectus excavatum deformity and progressive thoracic asymmetry

In brief

This prospective cohort study examines the prevalence and progression of chest wall deformities in CDH survivors, identifying pectus excavatum and thoracic asymmetry as significant long-term musculoskeletal complications. The research characterizes risk factors and temporal changes in these deformities to inform clinical surveillance strategies.

• CDH survivors have significantly increased risk of developing pectus excavatum and progressive thoracic asymmetry postoperatively.
• Musculoskeletal chest wall deformities in CDH patients require long-term prospective monitoring beyond initial surgical repair.
• Predictors of chest wall deformity development can be identified through systematic cohort analysis to guide surveillance protocols.
• Early recognition of thoracic asymmetry patterns may enable timely intervention to prevent progressive skeletal complications.
• Comprehensive CDH follow-up should include serial chest wall assessments as part of standard multidisciplinary care.

Written by the GCMD Library team from the article.