Frequency of positive antenatal scans in neonates with congenital diaphragmatic hernia admitted in NICU of tertiary care hospital.

Abstract

Objective: To determine the frequency of positive prenatal scans in newborns with CDH admitted to a tertiary care hospital, we designed the current study. Study Design: Cross-sectional study. Setting: Neonatal Care Intensive Unit of NICH. Period: March to October 2024. Methods: Neonates admitted with confirmed diagnosis of CDH were included in this study. Neonates born with multiple gestation (like twin or triplet) were excluded from this study. Gestational age at diagnosis, baby age and gender, birth weight and laterality of CDH were noted and documented in a pre-designed proforma. Results: Total 40 patients were included into the study. Mean gestational age was 37.5±2.8 weeks. Majority patients were males (56%). Mean birth weight was 25.3 ± 1.6 grams. Out of 40 patients, 22.5% patients were prenatally identified to have CDH. None of the patients’ features were significantly different among those who were prenatally and post-natally diagnosed for CDH. Conclusion: The present study found that prenatal diagnosis rate of CDH in our settings is low. We should focus on advanced techniques and improving our skills for increasing prenatal diagnosis rate which will be help for parental counselling and planning the management for safe neonatal outcomes.