Epidemiology and Outcomes of Congenital Diaphragmatic Hernia in Croatia: A Population-Based Study

BackgroundOutcomes of neonates with congenital diaphragmatic hernia (CDH) are variable; reports are frequently limited to the experience of single tertiary care centresa possible source of bias. Population-based studies decrease survivor bias and provide additional insight into this high-mortality condition. The objective of this study was to examine the incidence and outcomes of CDH in Croatia. MethodsAll cases of CDH in Croatia from 2001 through 2013 were ascertained from public health records. Overall and sex- and region-specific incidence rates were calculated, and characteristics associated with 1-year survival were assessed. ResultsWe identified 145 cases of CDH during the study period, for an incidence of 2.67 per 10000 total births. The incidence did not differ by calendar year (P=0.38) or geographic region (P=0.67). There was a slightly higher incidence among males (rate ratio, 1.37, 95% CI 0.99, 1.91). The 1-year survival rate was 33.1% for the entire cohort and 47.9% for liveborns who received any treatment at an intensive care unit. From multivariable analysis, survival was decreased in neonates with left CDH, liver up (odds ratio 0.1, 95% CI, 0.03, 0.4) and increased when treated in a centre with higher case volume (odds ratio 12.8, 95% CI, 2.2, 72.1). ConclusionsThe incidence of CDH in Croatia is within the range of previous reports. Survival was substantially higher in neonates treated in a centre with higher case volume, which suggests that centralisation of medical care for CDH may be warranted in Croatia.