Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this study was to analyze the clinical characteristics and outcomes of low birthweight (LBW) infants with congenital diaphragmatic hernia (CDH) compared to normal birthweight (NBW) infants with CDH. We hypothesized that LBW was associated with increased mortality, decreased extracorporeal life support (ECLS) utilization, and increased pulmonary morbidity in CDH patients.
Methods
Patients in the CDH Study Group from 2007 to 2018 were included. LBW was defined as <2.5 kg. Clinical characteristics and outcomes for LBW patients were compared to normal birthweight (NBW) patients using univariate and multivariable analyses.
Results
Of 5,586 patients, 1,157 (21%) were LBW. LBW infants had more congenital anomalies and larger diaphragmatic defects than NBW infants. ECLS utilization was decreased, and overall mortality was increased among LBW infants compared to NBW infants. A 1 kg increase in birthweight was associated with 34% higher odds of survival after repair (adjusted Odds Ratio 1.34, 95% CI 1.03–1.76; p = .03). LBW infants had longer durations of mechanical ventilation and were more likely to require supplemental oxygen at 30 days and at the time of discharge.
Conclusion
LBW is a risk factor for mortality and pulmonary morbidity in CDH. Prolonged oxygen requirement and increased length of stay are important considerations when managing this population.
Acknowledgments
Presented in parts at The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) annual meeting 2019 and The American College of Surgeons (ACS) annual meeting 2019.
Disclosure statement
No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).