title: Is the time necessary to obtain preoperative stabilization a predictive index of outcome in neonatal congenital diaphragmatic hernia?
abstract: Background. The study aims to verify if the time of preoperative stabilization (≤24 or >24 hours) could be predictive for the severity of clinical condition among patients affected by congenital diaphragmatic hernia. Methods. 55 of the 73 patients enrolled in the study achieved presurgical stabilization and underwent surgical correction. Respiratory and hemodynamic indexes, postnatal scores, the need for advanced respiratory support, the length of HFOV, tracheal intubation, PICU, and hospital stay were compared between patients reaching stabilization in ≤24 or >24 hours. Results. Both groups had a 100% survival rate. Neonates stabilized in ≤24 hours are more regular in the postoperative period and had an easier intensive care path; those taking >24 hours showed more complications and their care path was longer and more complex. Conclusions. The length of preoperative stabilization does not affect mortality, but is a valid parameter to identify difficulties in survivors' clinical pathway.
authors.affiliation: Department of Paediatric Anaesthesia and Intensive Care, S. Orsola-Malpighi Hospital, University of Bologna, 40183 Bologna, Italy.
authors.forename: Andrea
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Gentili
authors.forename: Rosina
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: De Rose
authors.forename: Elisa
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Iannella
authors.forename: Maria Letizia
authors.initials: ML
authors.lastname: Bacchi Reggiani
authors.forename: Mario
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Lima
authors.forename: Simonetta
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Baroncini