Archives of disease in childhood. Fetal and neonatal edition
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Arch. Dis. Child. Fetal Neonatal Ed. · Mar 2018
ReviewRole of ECMO in congenital diaphragmatic hernia.
Congenital diaphragmatic hernia (CDH) is typified morphologically by failure of diaphragmatic development with accompanying lung hypoplasia and persistent pulmonary hypertension of the newborn (PPHN). Patients who have labile physiology and low preductal saturations despite optimal ventilatory and inotropic support may be considered for extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO). Systematic reviews into the benefits of ECMO in CDH concluded that any benefit is unclear. ⋯ There is no consensus on the time limit for ECMO runs. The optimal timing of surgery for patients on ECMO is difficult to definitively establish, but it seems that repair at an early stage (with careful perioperative management) is becoming less of a taboo, and may improve outcome and help with either coming off ECMO or decisions on withdrawal later. The provision of ECMO will continue to be evaluated, and prospective randomised trial are needed to help answer question of patient selection and management.