The Center for Congenital Diaphragmatic Hernia at UPMC Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh has a well-established clinical research program. It is led by a dedicated team of neonatologists, pediatric surgeons, and advanced practice providers. We strive to better understand the condition and optimize the care of patients with congenital diaphragmatic hernia (CDH) — especially those requiring extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) support.
We share our research nationally and internationally at scientific meetings and in peer-reviewed medical journals. Our Center is currently conducting new research on fetal interventions for babies diagnosed with CDH in the womb.
DHREAMS Study
UPMC Children's is a long-time participant in the DHREAMS study (Diaphragmatic Hernia Research & Exploration, Advancing Molecular Science). The National Institutes of Health funds this multi-institution, international research collaborative. The study focuses on advancing medicine's knowledge about the genetic causes of CDH.
Understanding the specific gene alternations in CDH will help us better diagnose, prevent, and treat children with this disease. We encourage all interested families to join in this important initiative.
Other National Research Leadership
- We are an active member of the Children's Hospital Neonatal Consortium (CHNC). We also participate in the CHNC national database registry.
- We are members of the Consortium's CDH and ECMO focus groups. There, we collaborate with other CDH experts across the country who are working to standardize care for patients with CDH.
- Experts from our Center co-authored the CHNC's National Consensus Statement Guidelines for Management of CDH Treated With Extracorporeal Life Support (2021). We also have participated in other peer-reviewed publications with experts with the CHNC.
- UPMC Children's is a member and contributor to the Congenital Diaphragmatic Hernia Study Group (CDHSG) registry.
