Care of the fetus/newborn with congenital diaphragmatic hernia

Abstract
Congenital diaphragmatic hernia (CDH) is a simple anatomical defect. The reported incidence is between 1:2000 and 1:5000 live births, with the majority affecting the left side. A defect in the diaphragm allows abdominal viscera to herniate into and stay within the thoracic cavity during crucial stages of lung development. This results in pulmonary hypoplasia, a reduction in pulmonary vascular branching and an alteration in the surfactant system.