Congenital diaphragmatic hernia

Congenital Diaphragmatic Hernia (kənˈjenɪtəl daɪəˈfrægmætɪk ˈhɜːrnɪə) is a birth defect of the diaphragm. The etymology of the term comes from the Latin congenitus meaning "born with," the Greek diaphragma meaning "partition," and the Greek hernia meaning "rupture."

Definition

A Congenital Diaphragmatic Hernia (CDH) is a condition that occurs when the diaphragm, a muscle that separates the chest cavity from the abdomen, fails to fully form, allowing abdominal organs to enter the chest cavity and interfere with lung development.

Causes

The exact cause of CDH is unknown, but it is thought to occur due to a combination of genetic and environmental factors. It is not typically associated with any specific genetic disorder.

Symptoms

Symptoms of CDH can vary greatly depending on the severity of the hernia. They may include difficulty breathing, a bluish coloration of the skin due to lack of oxygen, and an inability to thrive.

Diagnosis

CDH is often diagnosed prenatally through an ultrasound. If not detected prenatally, it is usually diagnosed shortly after birth due to the presence of severe respiratory distress.

Treatment

Treatment for CDH usually involves surgery to repair the diaphragm and move the abdominal organs back into the abdomen. This is often followed by supportive care to help the baby's lungs develop and function properly.

Prognosis

The prognosis for a baby with CDH varies widely and depends on the severity of the hernia and the presence of other anomalies. With early diagnosis and treatment, many babies with CDH can survive and have a good quality of life.

Related Terms

• Diaphragm (anatomy)
• Hernia
• Ultrasound
• Genetic disorder

External links

• Medical encyclopedia article on Congenital diaphragmatic hernia
• Wikipedia's article - Congenital diaphragmatic hernia

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