Diaphragmatic Ultrasound in Children following Hernia Repair
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Diaphragmatic Ultrasound in Children Following Neonatal Repair of Congenital Diaphragmatic Hernia
IRAS ID
336355
Contact name
Mary Patrice Eastwood
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
Queen's University Belfat
Duration of Study in the UK
0 years, 10 months, 5 days
Research summary
Congenital Diaphragmatic Hernia (CDH) is a condition usually diagnosed before birth. Babies with CDH have a hole in their diaphragm (usually on the left side) which allows their organs move into their chest whilst they are still in the womb. This results in compression of the lung on the affected side and breathing problems after birth. The majority of babies survive and have an operation to close the hole in their diaphragm after birth when they are ready from a breathing viewpoint. This is done using sutures (stitches) referred to as a primary closure, alternatively a patch is required to close larger holes. Different patches are used for closure namely Gore-Tex (non-absorbable) or other absorbable patches. It depends on which centre you are born as to which patch is used for repair, however Gore-Tex is the most commonly used patch. In some patients, repair of the diaphragm has complications in later life, such as recurrence of the hernia or bowel obstruction (i.e. blockage). These may require a second operation. Complications are more common in patients with a patch. To improve our repair techniques we need to understand how the repaired diaphragm works in later life. The objective of this study look at diaphragmatic function on ultrasound scanning following CDH repair. We will also look at a group of children who never had a hole in their diaphragm so we can compare differences with children who required an operation. Ultrasound scanning of the chest is able to look diaphragmatic function and movement. Commonly (~85%) CDH presents on the left side of the diaphragm, therefore we will only include patients born with left sided issues to make comparison easier.
REC name
HSC REC B
REC reference
24/NI/0121
Date of REC Opinion
3 Feb 2025
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion