Tissue Doppler imaging mean right ventricular early diastolic myocardial velocity on days 1 and 2 of life predicted early outcome in surviving infants with congenital diaphragmatic hernia. Right ventricular diastolic dysfunction is associated with disease severity in congenital diaphragmatic hernia. Right ventricular function may be optimized by delaying surgical repair in infants with severe congenital diaphragmatic hernia.

IV sildenafil infusion was associated with improved oxygenation. Prospective trials of IV sildenafil are required to determine effects on longer term outcome.

Patel N, Moenkemeyer F, Germano S, Cheung MM. Plasma vascular endothelial growth factor A and placental growth factor: novel biomarkers of pulmonary hypertension in congenital diaphragmatic hernia.