Health-related quality of life in adults after repair of congenital diaphragmatic defects--a questionnaire study

Quality of life in congenital diaphragmatic hernia survivors treated at a non-ECMO centre from 1998 to 2015: a cross-sectional study

BACKGROUND

Survival of infants with congenital diaphragmatic hernia (CDH) has increased and more insight is warranted on the long-term issues of this condition.

METHODS

We conducted a cross-sectional study on consecutively born infants with CDH treated at a non-extracorporeal membrane oxygenation centre (ECMO) from 1998 to 2015. Quality of life was evaluated using the Pediatric Quality of Life Inventory Generic Core Scale 4.0 (PedsQL(4.0)) Questionnaire and an interview was conducted to assess for CDH-related morbidity.

RESULTS

71 eligible CDH survivors were identified and 51 consented to participate: aged 5-21 years, 28 (54.9%) male, 42 (82.4%) with left-sided hernias, 10 (19.6%) needed patch repair, median length of stay in hospital was 27.96 days (IQR 18.54-61.56). Forty-nine completed the questionnaire with a median PedsQL total score for participants of 82.6 vs 83.7 of the total proxy parent score (p=0.04). Total score was significantly lower for participants aged 5-12 years compared with participants aged 13-21 years (p=0.04); however, when reported by domains, only the physical score remained significantly lower (p=0.048). Two (4.1%) participants' and 8 (16.7%) proxy parents' scores were below 70 and considered at risk of impaired quality of life. We identified the presence of CDH-related morbidity in our population, and confirmed an association between respiratory morbidity and lower PedsQL scores (p=0.04).

CONCLUSION

We report an overall good quality of life in our population with CDH. However, a lower physical score was noted when compared with a national Danish cohort and individuals at risk of reduced quality of life were recognised. Structured follow-up programmes to identify and ensure early management of CDH-related issues may prevent a negative impact on quality of life.

Recent Advances in the Genetic Pathogenesis, Diagnosis, and Management of Esophageal Atresia and Tracheoesophageal Fistula: A Review

Infants born with esophageal atresia and tracheoesophageal fistula, a complex congenital malformation occurring in 1/2500-4000 live births, may suffer threats to their cardiac, respiratory, and digestive health in addition to anomalies that may exist in the genitourinary and musculoskeletal systems. Optimal care for these patients throughout their lives is best achieved through a coordinated, multidisciplinary approach that our health care system is not always well-equipped to provide. This review, though not exhaustive, highlights the components of care that pertain to initial surgical reconstruction and subsequent diagnosis and management of the complications that are most frequently encountered. Authors from among the many specialties involved in the care of these patients summarize the current best practice with attention to the most recent advances. Assessment and improvement of quality of life and transition to adult specialists as children grow to adulthood is also reviewed.

Long-term outcomes in newborn surgery

This article describes the common methods to study long-term outcomes in patients who have undergone major surgery in newborn period. It also sums up today's knowledge on the long-term outcome of some classic newborn surgical conditions. The analysis of long-term outcomes is important to pediatric surgeons. Knowledge of long-term outcome can guide the patient's management and principles of the follow-up throughout the patient's childhood. It also aims to give the parents of the patient a realistic picture on the development of their child. Recent data have shown that many patients who have undergone major surgery during early childhood have significant functional aberrations at adult age. Some of these have a profound influence on the quality of life of these patients.

Long term outcomes in CDH: Cardiopulmonary outcomes and health related quality of life

BACKGROUND

With improvements in clinical management and an increase in CDH survivorship there is a crucial need for better understanding of long-term health outcomes in CDH.

AIM

To investigate the prevalence of cardiopulmonary health morbidity and health related quality of life (HRQoL) in CDH survivors.

METHODS

We included all studies (n = 65) investigating long-term cardiopulmonary outcomes in CDH patients more than 2 years published in the last 30 years. The Newcastle-Ottawa Scale and the CASP checklist for cohort studies were utilized to assess study quality. Results were reported descriptively and collated by age group where possible.

RESULTS

The incidence of pulmonary hypertension was highly variable (4.5-38%), though rates (%) appeared to diminish after 5 years of age. Lung function indices and radiological outcomes were frequently abnormal, and Health Related Quality of Life (HRQoL) reduced also. Long term diseases notably emphysema and COPD are not yet fully described in the contemporary literature.

CONCLUSION

This study underscores cardiopulmonary health morbidity and a reduced HRQoL among CDH survivors. Where not already available dedicated multidisciplinary follow-up clinics should be established to support these vulnerable patients transition safely into adulthood. Future research is therefore needed to investigate the risk factors for cardiopulmonary ill health and morbidity in CDH survivors.

TYPE OF STUDY

Systematic review of case control and cohort studies.

Antenatal Assessment of the Prognosis of Congenital Diaphragmatic Hernia: Ethical Considerations and Impact for the Management

Congenital diaphragmatic hernia (CDH) is associated with abnormal pulmonary development, which is responsible for pulmonary hypoplasia with structural and functional abnormalities in pulmonary circulation, leading to the failure of the cardiorespiratory adaptation at birth. Despite improvement in treatment options and advances in neonatal care, mortality remains high, at close to 15 to 30%. Several risk factors of mortality and morbidities have been validated in fetuses with CDH. Antenatal assessment of lung volume is a reliable way to predict the severity of CDH. The two most commonly used measurements are the observed/expected lung to head ratio (LHRo/e) and the total pulmonary volume (TPV) on MRI. The estimation of total pulmonary volume (TPVo/e) by means of prenatal MRI remains the gold standard. In addition to LHR and TPV measurements, the position of the liver (up, in the thorax or down, in the abdomen) also plays a role in the prognostic evaluation. This prenatal prognostic evaluation can be used to select fetuses for antenatal surgery, consisting of fetoscopic endoluminal tracheal occlusion (FETO). The antenatal criteria of severe CDH with an ascended liver (LHRo/e or TPVo/e < 25%) are undoubtedly associated with a high risk of death or significant morbidity. However, despite the possibility of estimating the risk in antenatal care, it is difficult to determine what is in the child’s best interest, as there still are many uncertainties: (1) uncertainty about individual short-term prognosis; (2) uncertainty about long-term prognosis; and (3) uncertainty about the subsequent quality of life, especially when it is known that, with a similar degree of disability, a child’s quality of life varies from poor to good depending on multiple factors, including family support. Nevertheless, as the LHR decreases, the foreseeable “burden” becomes increasingly significant, and the expected benefit is increasingly unlikely. The legal and moral principle of the proportionality of medical procedures, as well as the prohibition of “unreasonable obstinacy” in all investigations or treatments undertaken, is necessary in these situations. However, the scientific and rational basis for assessing the long-term individual prognosis is limited to statistical data that do not adequately reflect individual risk. The risk of self-fulfilling prophecies should be kept in mind. The information given to parents must take this uncertainty into account when deciding on the treatment plan after birth.

Long-Term Evaluation of Gastroesophageal Reflux in Neonates with and without Preventive Anti-reflux Surgery at the Time of Congenital Diaphragmatic Hernia Repair

One potential comorbidity after congenital diaphragmatic hernia (CDH) is gastroesophageal reflux (GER), which can have a substantial effect on patients’ quality of life, thriving, and complications later in life. Efforts have been made to reduce gastroesophageal reflux with a preventive anti-reflux procedure at the time of CDH repair. In this follow-up study of neonates participating in a primary RCT study on preventive anti-reflux surgery, symptoms of GER were assessed longitudinally. Long-term data with a median follow-up time of ten years was available in 66 patients. Thirty-one neonates received an initial fundoplication. Secondary anti-reflux surgery was necessary in 18% and only in patients with large defects. It was required significantly more often in patients with intrathoracic herniation of liver (p = 0.015) and stomach (p = 0.019) and patch repair (p = 0.03). Liver herniation was the only independent risk factor identified in multivariate regression analysis. Primary fundopexy and hemifundoplication did not reveal a protective effect regarding the occurrence of GER symptoms, the need for secondary antireflux surgery or the gain of body weight regardless of defect size neither in the short nor in the long term. Symptoms of GER must be assessed carefully especially in children with large defects, as these are prone to require secondary anti-reflux surgery in the long-term. Routine evaluation of GER including endoscopy and impedance measurement should be recommended especially for high-risk patients.

Neurodevelopmental outcomes in children with isolated congenital diaphragmatic hernia: A systematic review and meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

Congenital diaphragmatic hernia (CDH) reportedly has neurologic consequences in childhood however little is known about the impact in isolated CDH.

AIMS

Herein we aimed to describe the risk of neurodevelopmental complications in children born with isolated CDH.

MATERIALS & METHODS

We systematically reviewed literature for reports on the neurological outcome of infants born with isolated CDH. The primary outcome was neurodevelopmental delay. Secondary outcomes included, motor skills, intelligence, vision, hearing, language and behavior abnormalities.

RESULTS

Thirteen out of 87 (15%) studies reported on isolated CDH, including 2624 out of 24,146 children. Neurodevelopmental delay was investigated in four studies and found to be present in 16% (3-34%) of children. This was mainly attributed to motor problems in 13% (2-30%), whereas cognitive dysfunction only in 5% (0-20%) and hearing in 3% (1-7%). One study assessed the effect of fetal surgery. When both isolated and non-isolated children were included, these numbers were higher.

DISCUSSION

This systematic review demonstrates that only a minority of studies focused on isolated CDH, with neurodevelopmental delay present in 16% of children born with CDH.

CONCLUSION

To accurately counsel patients, more research should focus on isolated CDH cases and examine children that underwent fetal surgery.

Quality of life was similar in children with congenital diaphragmatic hernia and oesophageal atresia and related to respiratory morbidity

AIM

To assess quality of life (QoL) in children with congenital diaphragmatic hernia (CDH) and to compare it with oesophageal atresia (OA).

METHODS

A cross-sectional study in CDH children (≥7 years) was conducted in Lille University Hospital, France, from January 2013 to April 2014. History, lung function (rest, exercise) and Pediatric Quality of Life Inventory questionnaires (PedsQoL 4.0) were collected. Data of OA children were previously published.

RESULTS

Fifty-four CDH patients (male: 53%, median age: 11 years, IQR 9-14) were compared to 54 OA patients (male: 61%, median age: 13 years, IQR: 11-15). CDH children had significantly more frequent history of pneumonia (30% vs 13%), exercise limitation (54% vs 35%) and chest deformity (39% vs 11%); 46% had an obstructive pattern and 66% an abnormal cardiopulmonary exercise test. The median PedsQoL total score in children was 81 (IQR 73-90) in CDH and 81 (IQR 72-91) in OA (P = .8). In CDH, duration of neonatal oxygen therapy, hospitalisation for respiratory disease, exercise limitation, inhaled corticosteroids treatment, chest deformity, abnormal cardiopulmonary exercise test and lower forced expiratory volume in one second were significantly associated with lower QoL scores.

CONCLUSION

PedsQoL scores remained satisfactory in CDH children with CDH, with no difference compared to OA. Patients with respiratory morbidity and lung function impairment, who displayed lower scores, should be identified in order to optimise their management in reference centres.

Long-term medical and psychosocial outcomes in congenital diaphragmatic hernia survivors

OBJECTIVE

Survival rates for congenital diaphragmatic hernia (CDH) are increasing. The long-term outcomes of CDH survivors were compared with a healthy control group to assess the morbidity for guidance of antenatal counselling and long-term follow-up programmes.

PARTICIPANTS AND DESIGN

Participants born with CDH in Western Australia 1993-2008 were eligible with matched controls from the general population. Participants had comprehensive lung function tests, echocardiogram, low-dose chest CT scan and completed a Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire (SDQ) and quality of life (QOL) questionnaire.

RESULTS

34 matched case-control pairs were recruited. Demographic data between groups were similar. Cases were smaller at follow-up (weight Z-score of -0.2vs0.3; p=0.03; height Z-score of -0.3vs0.6; p=0.01). Cases had lower mean Z-scores for forced expiratory volume in 1 s (FEV₁) (-1.49 vs -0.01; p=0.004), FEV₁/forced vital capacity (-1.92 vs -1.2; p=0.009) and forced expiratory flow at 25-75% (FEF25-75) (-1.18vs0.23; p=0.007). Cases had significantly worse respiratory mechanics using forced oscillation technique. Subpleural triangles architectural distortion, linear opacities and scoliosis on chest CT were significantly higher in cases. Prosthetic patch requirement was associated with worse lung mechanics and peak cough flow. Cases had significantly higher rates of gastro-oesophageal reflux disease (GORD) and GORD medication usage. Developmental delay was significantly higher in cases. More cases had a total difficulties score in the high to very high range (25% vs 0%, p=0.03) on the SDQ and reported lower objective QOL scores (70.2 vs 79.8, p=0.02).

CONCLUSION

Survivors of CDH may have significant adverse long-term medical and psychosocial issues that would be better recognised and managed in a multidisciplinary clinic.

Parent reported long-term quality of life outcomes in children after congenital diaphragmatic hernia repair

PURPOSE

The aim of this study was to determine long-term outcomes for congenital diaphragmatic hernia (CDH) patients including quality of life (QoL), symptom burden, reoperation rates, and health status.

METHODS

A chart review and phone QoL survey were performed for patients who underwent CDH repair between 2007 and 2014 at a tertiary free-standing children's hospital. Comprehensive outcomes were collected including subsequent operations and health status. Associations with QoL were tested using Wilcoxon Rank-Sum tests and Pearson correlation coefficients.

RESULTS

Of 102 CDH patients identified, 46 (45.1%) patient guardians agreed to participate with mean patient age of 5.8 (SD, 2.2) years at time of follow-up. Median PedsQL^TM and PedsQL^TM Gastrointestinal scores were 91.8 (IQR, 84.8-95.8) and 95.8 (IQR, 93.0-98.2), out of 100. Thoracoscopic repair was associated with higher PedsQL^TM scores while defects with an intrathoracic stomach were associated with increased gas and bloating. No difference in QoL was found when comparing defect side, patch vs primary repair, prenatal diagnosis, extracorporeal membrane oxygenation, or recurrence. Older age weakly correlated with worse school functioning and heartburn.

CONCLUSION

Children with CDH have reassuring QoL scores. Given the correlation between older age and poor school function, longer follow-up of patients with CDH may be warranted.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

III (Retrospective comparative study).

Health-related quality of life in children born with congenital diaphragmatic hernia

PURPOSE

The aim of this study was to examine health-related quality of life (HRQoL) in children born with congenital diaphragmatic hernia (CDH).

METHODS

Between 1993 and 2003, a total of 102 children born with CDH were treated at Astrid Lindgren Children's hospital in Stockholm. In 2012, long-term survivors (n = 77) were asked to participate in the present study, which resulted in a 46% (n = 35) response rate. The KIDSCREEN-52 questionnaire was used for measuring HRQoL and a detailed review of medical records was performed.

RESULTS

The study participants did not differ from the non-participants in terms of prenatal diagnosis, gender, side of lesion, method of surgical repair, time to intubation, need for ECMO support, or way of discharge from the hospital. Children born with CDH considered themselves to have a good HRQoL, as good as healthy Swedish children. There were only a few significant HRQoL differences within the group of children with CDH, although several median scores in ECMO-treated patients were somewhat lower. Correlations between child and parent scores on HRQoL were low.

CONCLUSIONS

Health-related quality of life in children born with CDH is good overall, however, a correlation between the severity of the malformation and HRQoL cannot be excluded.

Health-related quality of life in children and adolescents with congenital diaphragmatic hernia: a cross-sectional study

BACKGROUND

Patients with congenital diaphragmatic hernia (CDH) have a high residual morbidity rate. We compared self-reported health-related quality of life (HRQoL) between patients with CDH and healthy children.

METHODS

Forty-five patients with CDH who were born from January 1, 1990, through February 15, 2015, were matched to healthy, age-matched control participants at a 1:2 ratio. The health records of the study participants were reviewed to determine comorbid conditions, and HRQoL was assessed by both the participants and their parents with the Pediatric Quality of Life Inventory (PedsQL). The HRQoL scores of the patients with CDH and the control participants were compared by using analysis of variance to adjust for age group and sex. Among patients with CDH, analysis of variance was used to compare HRQoL scores across groups defined according to their characteristics at initial hospitalization, postdischarge events, and comorbid conditions.

RESULTS

Compared with control participants, patients with CDH had lower mean PedsQL scores, as reported by the parent and child, for the physical and psychosocial domains (P < 0.001). Risk factors associated with lower parent-reported HRQoL included bronchopulmonary dysplasia, longer initial hospitalization, severe cognitive impairment, and orthopedic symptoms; among patients with CDH, low HRQoL was associated with chronic respiratory issues.

CONCLUSION

Patients with CDH had lower HRQoL compared with healthy participants. Parent-reported HRQoL tended to be higher than child-reported HRQoL. Results were also inconsistent for the risk factors associated with HRQoL obtained by using child- and parent-reported scores. Therefore, when interpreting HRQoL in CDH survivors, a proxy report should not be considered a substitute for a child's self-report.

The Surgical Correction of Congenital Deformities: The Treatment of Diaphragmatic Hernia, Esophageal Atresia and Small Bowel Atresia

BACKGROUND

More than half of all congenital deformities can be detected in utero. The initial surgical correction is of paramount importance for the achievement of good long-term results with low surgical morbidity and mortality.

METHODS

Selective literature review and expert opinion.

RESULTS

Congenital deformities are rare, and no controlled trials have been performed to determine their optimal treatment. In this article, we present the prenatal assessment, treatment, and long-term results of selected types of congenital deformity. Congenital diaphragmatic hernia (CDH) affects one in 3500 live-born infants, while esophageal atresia affects one in 3000 and small-bowel atresia one in 5000 to 10,000. If a congenital deformity is detected and its prognosis can be reliably inferred from a prenatal assessment, the child should be delivered at a specialized center (level 1 perinatal center). The associated survival rates are 60-80% after treatment for CDH and well over 90% after treatment for esophageal or small-bowel atresia. Despite improvements in surgical correction over the years, complications and comorbidities still affect 20-40% of the treated children. These are not limited to surgical complications in the narrow sense, such as recurrence, postoperative adhesions and obstruction, stenoses, strictures, and recurrent fistulae, but also include pulmonary problems (chronic lung disease, obstructive and restrictive pulmonary dysfunction), gastrointestinal problems (dysphagia, gastro-esophageal reflux, impaired intestinal motility), and failure to thrive. Moreover, the affected children can develop emotional and behavioral disturbances. Minimally invasive surgery in experienced hands yields results as good as those of conventional surgery, as long as proper selection criteria are observed.

CONCLUSION

Congenital deformities should be treated in recognized centers with highly experienced interdisciplinary teams. As no randomized trials of surgery for congenital deformities are available, longitudinal studies and registries will be very important in the future.

Congenital diaphragmatic hernia: Observed/expected lung-to-head ratio as a predictor of long-term morbidity

AIM

The aim of this study was to investigate the association of observed/expected (O/E) lung-to-head ratio (LHR) with long-term morbidity for isolated fetal congenital diaphragmatic hernia (CDH) patients in a single institution.

METHODS

We performed a retrospective study of prenatally diagnosed CDH from 18 to 38weeks of gestation (01/2002-04/2010). Two cohorts of O/E LHR were defined (22.6-45%, 45.1-78.3%) based upon previous studies. Survivors with at least 1-year follow-up of prospectively collected long-term morbidity assessments were included.

RESULTS

O/E LHR was available in 43 survivors (median 40%, range 22.8-78.3%). Follow-up data were available in 41 survivors (M:F=24:17, left CDH=39/41). Median follow-up was 6.5years (1-11years). Height/weight trajectories were similar between the two cohorts, with the majority below the 50th centile. There were no differences between the two cohorts by age 3years for Bayley scales (developmental domains) and/or REEL-3 (language development). In addition, V/Q scans in the two cohorts demonstrated similar degrees of mismatch (mean delta V/Q=35.4 versus 31.3).

CONCLUSIONS

In fetuses with isolated CDH, a reduction in O/E LHR does not predict a worse outcome in long-term follow-up. There is no association between a lower O/E LHR and a reduction in REEL-3 or Bayley score nor V/Q mismatch.

Neurodevelopmental outcome in congenital diaphragmatic hernia: Evaluation, predictors and outcome

To review the reported neurodevelopmental outcome of congenital diaphragmatic hernia (CDH) survivors, identify important predictors of developmental disabilities, and describe the pathophysiological mechanisms contributing to adverse outcome. A Medline search was performed for English-language articles cross-referencing CDH with pertinent search terms. Retrospective, prospective, and longitudinal follow-up studies were examined. The reference lists of identified articles were also searched. Neurodevelopmental dysfunction has been recognized as one of most common and potentially most disabling outcome of CDH. Intelligence appears to be in the low normal to mildly delayed range. Neuromotor dysfunction is common during early childhood. Behavioral problems, hearing impairment, and quality of life related issues are frequently encountered in older children and adolescence. Disease severity correlates with the degree of neurological dysfunction. Neurodevelopmental follow-up in CDH children should become standard of care to identify those who would benefit from early intervention services and improve neurological outcomes.

Is video-assisted thoracoscopic diaphragmatic plication a widespread technique for diaphragmatic hernia in adults? Review of the literature and results of a national survey

Diaphragmatic plication is the most accepted treatment for symptomatic diaphragmatic hernia in adults. The fact that this pathology is infrequent and this procedure not been widespread means that this is an exceptional technique in our field. To estimate its use in the literature, we carried out a review in English and Spanish, to which we added our series. We found only six series that contribute 59 video-assisted mini-thoractomy for diaphragmatic plications in adults, and none in Spanish. Our series will be the second largest with 18 cases. Finally, we conducted a survey in all the Spanish Thoracic Surgery units in Spain: none reported more than 10 cases operated by thoracoscopy in the last 8 years (except our series) and most continue employing thoracotomy as the main approach. We believe that many patients with symptomatic diaphragmatic hernia could benefit from the use of such techniques.

Health-related quality of life and its determinants in children with a congenital diaphragmatic hernia

Background

The development of new therapeutics has led to progress in the early management of congenital diaphragmatic hernia (CDH) in pediatric intensive care units (PICU). Little is known about the impact on the quality of life (QoL) of children and their family. The aim of this study was to assess the impact of CDH treated according to the most recent concepts and methods outlined above on child survivors’ QoL and their parents’ QoL.

Patients and methods

This study incorporated a cross-sectional design performed in two PICU (Marseille, France). Families of CDH survivors born between 1999 and 2008 were eligible. The following data were recorded: socio-demographics, antenatal history and delivery, initial hospitalization history. Self-reported data were collected by mail, including current clinical problems of the children (13-symptom list), children’s QoL (Kidscreen-27 questionnaire), and parents’ QoL (Short-Form 36 questionnaire). Children’s QoL score was compared with controls and QoL of survivors of childhood leukemia. Parent’s QoL was compared with controls. Non-parametric statistics were employed.

Results

Forty-two families agreed to participate and questionnaires were completed by 32 of them. Twenty-one children had a current clinical problems related to CDH. All the QoL scores of CHD survivors were significantly lower compared with controls. The physical well-being dimension was significantly higher for CHD survivors compared with survivors of childhood leukemia. Gastro-esophageal reflux at discharge, antenatal diagnosis, length of stay in the PICU, and neuropsychological and respiratory issues significantly impacted QoL scores of children. The parents of CHD survivors had significantly poorer score in emotional role dimension compared with controls.

Conclusion

The impact of CDH on QoL seems to be important and must be understood by clinicians who treat these children and their parents.

Current knowledge on esophageal atresia

Esophageal atresia (EA) with or without tracheoesophageal fistula (TEF) is the most common congenital anomaly of the esophagus. The improvement of survival observed over the previous two decades is multifactorial and largely attributable to advances in neonatal intensive care, neonatal anesthesia, ventilatory and nutritional support, antibiotics, early surgical intervention, surgical materials and techniques. Indeed, mortality is currently limited to those cases with coexisting severe life-threatening anomalies. The diagnosis of EA is most commonly made during the first 24 h of life but may occur either antenatally or may be delayed. The primary surgical correction for EA and TEF is the best option in the absence of severe malformations. There is no ideal replacement for the esophagus and the optimal surgical treatment for patients with long-gap EA is still controversial. The primary complications during the postoperative period are leak and stenosis of the anastomosis, gastro-esophageal reflux, esophageal dysmotility, fistula recurrence, respiratory disorders and deformities of the thoracic wall. Data regarding long-term outcomes and follow-ups are limited for patients following EA/TEF repair. The determination of the risk factors for the complicated evolution following EA/TEF repair may positively impact long-term prognoses. Much remains to be studied regarding this condition. This manuscript provides a literature review of the current knowledge regarding EA.

A systematic review of studies of quality of life in children and adults with selected congenital anomalies

BACKGROUND

Few studies have assessed quality of life (QOL) for children born with major structural congenital anomalies. We aimed to review studies reporting QOL in children and adults born with selected congenital anomalies involving the digestive system.

METHODS

Systematic review methods were applied to literature searches, development of the data extraction protocol, and the review process. We included studies published in English (1990-2010), which used validated instruments to assess QOL in individuals born with congenital diaphragmatic hernia, esophageal atresia, duodenal atresia or abdominal wall defects.

RESULTS

Of 200 papers identified through literature searches, 111 were excluded after applying restrictions and removing duplicates. After scanning 89 abstracts, 32 full-text papers were reviewed (none on duodenal atresia), of which 18 (nine in children or adolescents and nine in adults) were included. Studies measured health-related QOL, but did not assess subjective wellbeing. Instruments used to assess health-related QOL in children varied considerably. In adults most studies used the Short Form 36. Many studies had methodological limitations, such as being from a single institution, retrospective cohorts, and low sample size. The summarized evidence suggests that health-related QOL of these children is affected by associated anomalies and ongoing morbidity resulting in lower physical functioning and general health perception. In adults, health-related QOL is comparable with the general population.

CONCLUSIONS

The reviewed studies considered health status and functioning as a major determinant of QOL. More studies assessing QOL in patients with major congenital anomalies are needed, and those involving children should use age-adjusted, validated instruments to measure both health-related QOL and self-reported subjective wellbeing.

[Congenital diaphragmatic hernia: respiratory and vascular outcomes]

Congenital diaphragmatic hernia (CDH) is a life-threatening anomaly associated with a variable degree of pulmonary hypoplasia (PH) and persistent pulmonary hypertension (PPH). Despite remarkable advances in neonatal resuscitation and intensive care, and new postnatal treatment strategies, the rates of mortality and morbidity in the newborn with CDH remain high as the result of severe respiratory failure secondary to PH and PPH. Later, lung function assessments show obstructive and restrictive impairments due to altered lung structure and lung damage due to prolonged ventilatory support. The long-term consequences of pulmonary hypertension are unknown. Other problems include chronic pulmonary aspiration caused by gastro-oesophageal reflux and respiratory manifestations of allergy such as asthma or rhinitis. Finally, failure to thrive may be caused by increased caloric requirements due to pulmonary morbidity. Follow-up studies that systematically assess long-term sequelae are needed. Based on such studies, a more focused approach for routine multidisciplinary follow-up programs could be established. It is the goal of the French Collaborative Network to promote exchange of knowledge, future research and development of treatment protocols.

Physical activity, fitness, and dyspnea perception in children with congenital diaphragmatic hernia

We assessed whether physical activity could influence the performance and perception of dyspnea in children who were operated on for high risk congenital diaphragmatic hernia (CDH). We hypothesized that CDH children with normal activity would have better lung function and exercise performance level when compared to sedentary CDH subjects. We studied 18 children (11 males and 7 females, mean age 6.6 ± 2.6 years) who were surgically corrected. All children underwent physical examination, ECG at rest, and a maximal exercise stress test on a treadmill to measure the duration of exercise, maximal heart rate and blood pressure, maximal oxygen uptake (VO(2)  max and VO(2)  ml/kg/min). Lung function testing to measure forced vital capacity (FVC), forced expiratory volume in 1 sec (FEV(1) ), and peak expiratory flow (PEF) was also performed. Following the stress test, the Dalhousie dyspnea and effort scale was shown to children as a pictorial panel with three groups of increasing (from 1 to 7) levels of effort perception, throat discomfort, and chest dyspnea. Children were divided into group A (sedentary) and group B (regular physical participation). There was no difference in CDH severity between the two groups. Group A had a statistically significant lower duration of exercise (P < 0.01), maximal oxygen consumption (VO(2)  max P < 0.0001), VO(2)  ml/kg/min (P < 0.001), higher throat closing feeling (P < 0.004), chest dyspnea (P < 0.001), and effort perception (P < 0.04) compared to group B. No differences were found in lung function tests. In conclusion, our data may suggest that children with a history of CDH who are active maintain a higher level of performance with less perception of dyspnea and effort.

Neurodevelopmental and neurofunctional outcomes in children with congenital diaphragmatic hernia

The objective of this review was to provide a critical overview of our current understanding on the neurocognitive, neuromotor, and neurobehavioral development in congenital diaphragmatic hernia (CDH) patients, focusing on three interrelated clinical issues: (1) comprehensive outcome studies, (2) characterization of important predictors of adverse outcome, and (3) the pathophysiological mechanism contributing to neurodevelopmental disabilities in infants with CDH. Improved survival for CDH has led to an increasing focus on longer-term outcomes. Neurodevelopmental dysfunction has been recognized as the most common and potentially most disabling outcome of CDH and its treatment. While increased neuromotor dysfunction is a common problem during infancy, behavioral problems, hearing impairment and quality of life related issues are frequently found in older children and adolescence. Intelligence appears to be in the low normal range. Patient and disease specific predictors of adverse neurodevelopmental outcome have been defined. Imaging studies have revealed a high incidence of structural brain abnormalities. An improved understanding of the pathophysiological pathways and the neurodevelopmental consequences will allow earlier and possibly more targeted therapeutic interventions. Continuous assessment and follow-up as provided by an interdisciplinary team of medical, surgical and developmental specialists should become standard of care for all CDH children to identify and treat morbidities before additional disabilities evolve and to reduce adverse outcomes.

Assessing health-related quality-of-life changes in informal caregivers: an evaluation in parents of children with major congenital anomalies

PURPOSE

Relatively few attempts to measure the effects on the health-related quality of life (HRQoL) of informal caregivers within the context of economic evaluations have been reported. This paper is an exploratory attempt to find suitable methods to assess caregivers' HRQoL, using a population of parents of children with major congenital anomalies.

METHODS

A total of 306 parents of children born with either congenital anorectal malformations (ARM) or congenital diaphragmatic hernia were surveyed. They rated their current HRQoL on the EQ-VAS. After that, they rated their HRQoL again on the assumption that someone would take over their caregiving activities completely and free of charge. Finally, the parents classified their HRQoL on the EQ-5D. The caregivers' scores on the EQ-VAS and the EQ-5D were compared with scores elicited in the general population.

RESULTS

Most parents indicated that their HRQoL would not change if someone else took on their caregiving activities. Some methodological issues may have influenced this outcome, such as difficulties in self-assessing HRQoL changes due to caregiving, process utility, protest answers, and difficulties in understanding the hypothetical question. The HRQoL of the parents was relatively low compared with population statistics, especially in the parents of children with ARM and in mothers. This can be illustrated by the difference between the mean EQ-5D score of the mothers aged 25-34 years of the children with ARM and that of the general population (0.83 vs. 0.93; P = 0.002).

CONCLUSIONS

Significant HRQoL differences exist between parents caring for children with congenital anomalies and the general population. It would be useful to further improve our understanding of the HRQoL impact of informal caregiving, separating 'caregiving effects' from 'family effects', and distinguishing parent-child relationships from other caregiving situations. This study underlines the importance of considering caregivers, also in the context of economic evaluations. It indicates that general HRQoL measures, as used in patients, may be able to detect HRQoL effects in caregivers, which facilitates the incorporation in common economic evaluations of HRQoL effects in carers. Analysts and policy makers should be aware that if HRQoL improvement is an important aim, they should register HRQoL changes not only in patients but also in their caregivers.

Bowel function and gastrointestinal quality of life among adults operated for Hirschsprung disease during childhood: a population-based study

OBJECTIVE

To assess bowel function and gastrointestinal quality of life among adults with operated Hirschsprung's disease (HD).

SUMMARY BACKGROUND DATA

Outcomes of HD extending to adulthood are unclear; bowel function and quality of life may deteriorate by aging.

METHODS

Bowel function and gastrointestinal quality of life were cross-sectionally assessed in a population-based manner among adults operated for HD during childhood between 1950 and 1986. Patients were interviewed during their outpatient visit. Controls matched for age and sex were randomly chosen from the Population Register Centre of Finland.

RESULTS

Ninety-two (64%) patients representative for the entire study population responded. The mean age of patients (79% male) was 43 (interquartile range [IQR], 35-48) years. Most (78%) had undergone Duhamel operation, and 94% had aganglionosis confined to the rectosigmoid. The mean overall bowel function score was decreased among patients (17.1 ± 2.8 vs 19.1 ± 1.2; P < 0.0001). They reported increased incidence of inability to hold back defecation (40% vs 17%), fecal soiling (48% vs 22%), constipation (30% vs 9%) and social problems related to bowel function (29% vs 11%; P < 0.05 for all). Gastrointestinal quality of life was only marginally lower among patients (121 ± 15.3 vs 125 ± 13.1; P = 0.0578) mainly because of significantly lower scores in questions assessing disease-specific factors such as bowel function and continence. Age was the only predictor of poor bowel function (OR 1.07, 95% CI 1.00-1.14, P = 0.049), which weakly predicted gastrointestinal quality of life (OR 0.81, 95% CI 0.66-1.01, P = 0.055).

CONCLUSIONS

Although bowel function deteriorates with increasing age after operated HD, it is associated with only slightly decreased gastrointestinal quality of life.

Motor-function and exercise capacity in children with major anatomical congenital anomalies: an evaluation at 5 years of age

BACKGROUND

Children with major anatomical congenital anomalies (CA) often need prolonged hospitalization with surgical interventions in the neonatal period and thereafter. Better intensive care treatment has reduced mortality rates, but at the cost of more morbidity.

AIM

To study motor-function and exercise capacity in five-year-old children born with CA, and to determine whether motor-function and exercise capacity differ according to primary diagnosis.

STUDY DESIGN

Descriptive study.

SUBJECTS

One-hundred-and-two children with the following CA: congenital diaphragmatic hernia (CDH) n=24, esophageal atresia (EA) n=29, small intestinal anomalies (SIA) n=25, and abdominal wall defects (AWD) n=24.

OUTCOME MEASURES

Overall and subtest percentile scores of the Movement-Assessment Battery for Children (M-ABC) were used to measure motor skills. Endurance time on the Bruce treadmill test was used to determine maximal exercise capacity.

RESULTS

Motor-function: Seventy-three children (71.6%) had an overall percentile score within the normal range, 18 (17.6%) were classified as borderline, and 11 (10.8%) had a motor problem. This distribution was different from that in the reference population (Chi square: p=0.001). Most problems were encountered in children with CDH and EA (p=0.001 and 0.013, respectively). Ball skills and balance were most affected. Exercise capacity: Mean standard deviation score (SDS) endurance time=-0.5 (SD: 1.3); p=0.001; due to poor exercise performance in CDH and EA patients.

CONCLUSIONS

Children with major anatomical CA and especially those with CDH and EA are at risk for delayed motor-function and disturbed exercise capacity.

Quality of life in adults operated on for Hirschsprung disease in childhood

OBJECTIVES

The aim of this study is to explore the long-term quality of life (QoL) in adults after surgery for Hirschsprung disease in childhood.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Altogether 51 patients were operated for HD at our center during the period 1969 to 1989. In 2007, the validated instruments for assessing QoL, the SF-36 health survey and the Gastrointestinal Quality of Life Index (GIQLI), were sent to the 47 patients still alive at the time of the study. A retrospective review of the patient records was also done.

RESULTS

Forty-two patients returned both questionnaires (89% response rate) at the median age of 28.5 (range 18-45) years. The median clinical follow-up time was 5.7 years (range 5 months-23 years). At the last clinical control, 4 (9%) patients had a terminal enterostomy, 12 (29%) had soiling, 5 (12%) had constipation, and 2 (5%) experienced recurrent enterocolitis. In contrast to males, the subscores for females were lower for general health and mental health than for an age- and sex-matched general population (P < 0.05). Patients having aganglionosis to the right colon had lower GIQLI scores than those with aganglionosis to the left colon (P < 0.05). In multivariate linear regression analysis, female sex was the only factor associated with lower GIQLI score (P < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

The long-term QoL of adults operated for Hirschsprung disease in their youth is satisfactory. Female scores were lower for general and mental health, compared with the matched control group. The study indicates that the longer the aganglionic segment, the greater its impact on QoL in later life.

The long-term follow-up of patients with a congenital diaphragmatic hernia: a broad spectrum of morbidity

Congenital diaphragmatic hernia (CDH) is a life-threatening anomaly with a mortality rate of approximately 40-50%, depending on case selection. It has been suggested that new therapeutic modalities such as nitric oxide (NO), high frequency oxygenation (HFO) and extracorporal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) might decrease mortality associated with pulmonary hypertension and the sequelae of artificial ventilation. When these new therapies indeed prove to be beneficial, a larger number of children with severe forms of CDH might survive, resulting in an increase of CDH-associated complications and/or consequences. In follow-up studies of infants born with CDH, many complications including pulmonary damage, cardiovascular disease, gastro-intestinal disease, failure to thrive, neurocognitive defects and musculoskeletal abnormalities have been described. Long-term pulmonary morbidity in CDH consists of obstructive and restrictive lung function impairments due to altered lung structure and prolonged ventilatory support. CDH has also been associated with persistent pulmonary vascular abnormalities, resulting in pulmonary hypertension in the neonatal period. Long-term consequences of pulmonary hypertension are unknown. Gastro-esophageal reflux disease (GERD) is also an important contributor to overall morbidity, although the underlying mechanism has not been fully understood yet. In adult CDH survivors incidence of esophagitis is high and even Barrett's esophagus may ensue. Yet, in many CDH patients a clinical history compatible with GERD seems to be lacking, which may result in missing patients with pathologic reflux disease. Prolonged unrecognized GERD may eventually result in failure to thrive. This has been found in many young CDH patients, which may also be caused by insufficient intake due to oral aversion and increased caloric requirements due to pulmonary morbidity. Neurological outcome is determined by an increased risk of perinatal and neonatal hypoxemia in the first days of life of CDH patients. In patients treated with ECMO, the incidence of neurological deficits is even higher, probably reflecting more severe hypoxemia and the risk of ECMO associated complications. Many studies have addressed the substantial impact of the health problems described above, on the overall well-being of CDH patients, but most of them concentrate on the first years after repair and only a few studies focus on the health-related quality of life in CDH patients. Considering the scattered data indicating substantial morbidity in long-term survivors of CDH, follow-up studies that systematically assess long-term sequelae are mandatory. Based on such studies a more focused approach for routine follow-up programs may be established.

The cumulative incidence of significant gastroesophageal reflux in patients with congenital diaphragmatic hernia-a systematic clinical, pH-metric, and endoscopic follow-up study

BACKGROUND

Gastroesophageal reflux (GER) is common in patients with congenital diaphragmatic hernia (CDH). Gastroesophageal reflux may occur early after the primary repair of CDH and require antireflux surgery (ARS). It is unknown how many patients will be severely affected later on. We conducted an objective long-term follow-up for the cumulative incidence of CDH-associated GER based on symptoms, pH-metry, and histology.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

From March 1990 to July 2006, we admitted 33 newborn patients with CDH. Twenty-six patients (79%) (male 13, left-sided 21) survived. Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation was required in one patient and patch closure in 10 patients. The follow-up consisted of assessment of GER symptoms at 6 months, 1 year, 3 years, 5 years, and 10 years; endoscopy; and pH-metry for all patients at 1 year and to selected patients (with symptoms or complications of GER) from 3 to 10 years after the primary closure of CDH. Gastroesophageal reflux was considered significant (sGER) when a symptomatic patient required ARS, had endoscopic biopsies showing at least moderate esophagitis, or total and preprandial reflux index of more than 10% and 5%, respectively.

MAIN RESULTS

The incidence of sGER (patients with sGER/total amount assessed) at 6 months, 1 year, 3 years, 5 years, and 10 years was 27% (7/26), 42% (11/26), 53% (8/15), 53% (8/15), and 55% (5/9), respectively. During a median follow-up of 60 months (range, 12-195 months), 12 (46%) of 26 patients had sGER and 4 (15%) required ARS. After the assessment at 1 year, only one new case of sGER appeared. Endoscopic and/or pH-metric assessment covered 100% of the patients at 1 year follow-up, but later on only 70%.

CONCLUSION

One year after the primary closure of CDH, the incidence of sGER was 42%. After 1 year follow-up, only one new case of sGER was found, and ARS was not required. In patients who required ARS manifested before 6 months.

Cost-effectiveness of neonatal surgery: first greeted with scepticism, now increasingly accepted

Mortality rates in neonatal surgery have dropped markedly, illustrating the enormous progress made. Yet, new questions have arisen. To mention one, health care budgets have tightened. It follows that the effects of medical interventions should be weighted against their costs. As evidence was particularly sparse, we set out to analyse cost-effectiveness of neonatal surgery. The purpose of this article is to summarise our findings and to review recent studies. Moreover, this article explains the relevance of cost-effectiveness analysis and explores how cost-effectiveness interacts with other determinants of health care priority setting. Our research revealed that treatments for two common diagnostic categories in neonatal surgery (congenital anorectal malformations and congenital diaphragmatic hernia) produce good cost-effectiveness. Other groups also published cost-effectiveness studies in the field of neonatal surgery, although their number is still small. Contemporaneously, the economic aspects of health care have captured the interest of policy makers. Importantly, this is not to say that there are no other factors playing a role in priority setting, foremost among which are ethical questions and arguments of equity. This article concludes that, according to present evidence, neonatal surgery yields good value for money and contributes to equity in health.