Nutrition Interventions Associated With Favorable Growth in Infants With Congenital Diaphragmatic Hernia

Nutrition complications are common in survivors of congenital diaphragmatic hernia (CDH). Infants diagnosed with CDH may demonstrate poor growth despite receiving enteral tube feedings and gastroesophageal reflux treatment. This literature review was conducted to determine nutrition interventions resulting in favorable growth, which may improve outcomes in these infants. Results indicate that early nutrition support, including supplemental parenteral nutrition with provisions of ≥125 kcal/kg/d and ≥2.3 g/kg/d protein (which are higher than dietary reference intakes for infants), may have a positive impact on growth, potentially impacting neurological development.