Long-term follow-up in congenital diaphragmatic hernia

In brief

This article examines long-term outcomes and follow-up strategies for survivors of congenital diaphragmatic hernia (CDH), addressing pulmonary, nutritional, neurodevelopmental, and musculoskeletal sequelae. It provides guidance for multidisciplinary surveillance and management of CDH-related morbidities extending into childhood and beyond.

• CDH survivors require lifelong multidisciplinary follow-up due to chronic pulmonary, nutritional, and neurodevelopmental complications.
• Pulmonary hypertension and restrictive lung disease are common long-term sequelae requiring serial monitoring and intervention.
• Gastroesophageal reflux and failure to thrive necessitate ongoing nutritional support and feeding assessments in CDH patients.
• Neurodevelopmental delays occur in 30-50% of CDH survivors, warranting early screening and therapeutic intervention.
• Structured follow-up protocols improve outcomes by identifying and managing recurrent hernias, chest wall deformities, and scoliosis.

Written by the GCMD Library team from the article.