We retrospectively reviewed charts of all left-sided CDH patients from January 2004 to July 2014. All ultrasound studies performed at our institution (n = 473) were reviewed. Categorical and continuous data were analyzed by chi-square and Mann–Whitney t-test, respectively, and slope analysis was performed by linear regression analysis (p < 0.05).
A total of 226 patients were studied, with 154 long-term survivors and 72 non-survivors. Established markers of CDH severity, including intrathoracic liver position and requirement for patch repair, were significantly increased in non-survivors (p < 0.0001). The rate of LHR increase as measured by linear regression and slope analysis was significantly increased in long-term survivors (p = 0.0175).
Our findings indicate that the interval increase in LHR levels over the course of gestation correlate with survival in left-sided CDH patients. Regular ultrasonographic re-evaluation of LHR throughout gestation following diagnosis of CDH may provide prognostic insight and help guide patient management.