Congenital diaphragmatic hernia: searching for answers

Background: Pulmonary hypoplasia and hypertension are the primary causes of morbidity and mortality in infants with congenital diaphragmatic hernia (CDH). At present, the origin of CDH and the causes of pulmonary hypoplasia and hypertension are unknown. Data Sources: This article reviews the available published data regarding the origin of CDH and the pathogenesis of the associated pulmonary hypertension and hypoplasia. These investigations have employed human tissues as well as two types of CDH animal models. Conclusions: Investigations performed to date have not yet provided definitive answers regarding the pathogenesis of CDH. However, they have yielded many new and exciting discoveries and several opportunities for intervention. Ongoing research should open new possibilities to improve the outcome for these unfortunate babies with CDH. (c) 2005 Excerpta Medica Inc. All rights reserved.