Understanding Congenital Diaphragmatic Hernia (CDH) Part 3 | Care Plan at Johns Hopkins

Why It Matters

By aligning prenatal diagnostics, delivery logistics, and postnatal support, the program boosts survival odds and eases family burden, setting a benchmark for CDH care nationwide.

Key Takeaways

• Initial assessment includes ultrasound, anatomy review, genetic risk evaluation.
• Delivery planning balances emergency readiness and scheduled term births with team coordination.
• Over 60% of CDH deliveries achieved vaginally, not requiring C-section.
• Multidisciplinary team provides social, transport, palliative, and spiritual support.
• Parent advisory council offers peer mentorship for long‑term CDH outcomes.

Summary

Johns Hopkins’ fetal therapy center outlines a comprehensive care pathway for infants diagnosed with congenital diaphragmatic hernia (CDH). The program begins with a detailed ultrasound, fetal anatomy review, and genetic risk assessment, followed by coordinated counseling with neonatology, pediatric surgery, and the PICU team.

Delivery planning spans emergency readiness for fetally‑treated cases and scheduled term births, with a 24/7 on‑call system and a focus on team presence at birth. Over 60% of CDH infants are delivered vaginally, and the first 48 hours post‑delivery receive intensive multidisciplinary oversight to smooth the transition to neonatal intensive care.

The center emphasizes holistic support: social workers conduct family needs assessments, providing transportation, lodging, and palliative‑care resources; chaplains address spiritual concerns. A parent advisory council connects new families with alumni who have raised children with CDH, offering real‑world perspective on long‑term outcomes.

This integrated model aims to improve survival, reduce parental stress, and create a replicable framework for other institutions managing complex fetal conditions.

Original Description

Managing CDH during pregnancy involves coordinated care and careful planning. In this video, we outline what families can expect, including evaluation, delivery planning, and how care is coordinated across a multidisciplinary team. #cdh #johnshopkins #congenitaldiaphragmatichernia https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/gynecology-obstetrics/specialty-areas/fetal-therapy/conditions-we-treat/congenital-diaphragmatic-hernia

Meet Dr. Baschat https://profiles.hopkinsmedicine.org/provider/ahmet-alexander-baschat/2705343

What is the assessment and intake process for CDH? 0:05

What is the delivery planning process for CDH? 1:05

How is care coordinated across multidisciplinary teams? 2:14

What support services are available to patients? 3:25

This final video in our three-part series, Understanding CDH: A Parent’s Guide to Diagnosis, Treatment and Care, brings together the full care journey from diagnosis through delivery.

View Part 1: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qFchNyqTjgs

View Part 2: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n-26koYWFlI