Early Left Ventricular Dysfunction and Severe Pulmonary Hypertension Predict Adverse Outcomes in "Low-Risk" Congenital Diaphragmatic Hernia.

Retrospective study of 778 'low-risk' CDH infants identifies early left ventricular dysfunction and severe pulmonary hypertension on first postnatal echo as independent predictors of death, ECMO use, prolonged oxygen need, or extended hospitalization. Findings suggest even low-risk CDH cases require careful cardiac assessment to identify at-risk infants who may benefit from early intervention.