Congenital diaphragmatic hernia : risk factors and experience in Southwest Region of Saudi Arabia

Abstract EN

Congenital diaphragmatic hernia is a common surgical emergency in neonatal referral centres.

Various pre- and post- operative radiologic, ventilatory, and clinical data parameters were studied as factors to predict the outcome of this condition.

A total of 27 cases were admitted to King Fahad Hospital in Al Baha (Southwest region of Saudi Arabia) between October, 1981, and October, 1992 inclusive the gross mortality rate was 22 % but when applied on patients presented within the first 6 hours of life, it was 40 %.

About 30 risk factors were studied and its statistical significance was drawn out when applied to each patient.

In conclusion, we found the incidence of congenital diaphragmatic hernia in Southwest region of Saudi Arabia to be 1 : 2,320 live births.

The major risk factors adversely affect survival were low birth weight, low PaO2, oxygenation index, and thoracic stomach position.

Other risk factors affected the survival to lesser extent were high PaCo2, and alveolararterial oxygenation index.

The details of the risk factors and the cases are presented.