Prenatal assessment of congenital diaphragmatic hernia at north american fetal therapy network centers: A continued plea for standardization.

Abstract

Prenatal work-up for congenital diaphragmatic hernia (CDH) is important for risk stratification, standardization, counseling, and optimal therapeutic choice. To determine current practice patterns regarding prenatal CDH work-up, including prenatal ultrasound and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) use, and to identify areas for standardization of such evaluation between fetal centers. A survey regarding prenatal CDH work-up was sent to each member center of the North American Fetal Therapy Network (NAFTNet) (n = 36). All responded. Sonographic measurement of lung-to-head ratio (LHR) was determined by all, 89% (32/36) of which routinely calculate observed-to-expected LHR. The method for measuring LHR varied: 58% (21/36) used a "trace" method, 25% (9/36) used "longest axis," and 17% (6/36) used an "antero-posterior" method. Fetal MRI was routinely used in 78% (28/36) of centers, but there was significant variability in fetal lung volume measurement. Whereas all generated a total fetal lung volume, the planes, methodology and references values varied significantly. All evaluated liver position, 71% (20/28) evaluated stomach position and 54% (15/28) quantified the degree of liver herniation. More consistency in workup was seen between centers offering fetal intervention. Prenatal CDH work-up and management differs considerably among North American fetal diagnostic centers, highlighting a need for its standardization.