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The Congenital Diaphragmatic Hernia Program at Children's Hospital Boston is a recognized international leader in the treatment of congenital diaphragmatic hernia (CDH) and long-term follow-up care for children born with this complex health concern.
With CDH, the diaphragm of a fetus does not fully develop, which allows abdominal organs to go into the chest, preventing normal lung development. In many cases, diaphragmatic hernias can be successfully treated in newborns, and the outlook for babies born with CDH is increasingly positive. However, CDH patients require follow-up care and treatment over time to minimize related health concerns, which can include lung problems and breathing difficulties, gastrointestinal problems, and growth and development concerns.
Children's treats more than 20 newborns with CDH each year, with a success rate among the best in the world. Children's survival rate is close to 90%, while the national average is only 50%.
When CDH is diagnosed or suspected during pregnancy, services of the CDH team are coordinated through Children's Advanced Fetal Care Center. Children also come into the care of the program when CDH is diagnosed after birth, and on an outpatient basis for long-term treatment.
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