On Monday August 10th I became a Great Uncle! The day was bittersweet as we knew in advance that the baby (Maximus Evan Griffin) had a condition called CDH.
About CDH
Congenital diaphragmatic hernia (CDH) refers to a defect in the diaphragm that allows the abdominal organs (stomach, intestine, liver, bowel, and spleen) to migrate into the chest cavity in utero. Diaphragmatic hernia results by the failure of the diaphragm to close or to form at approximately eight weeks' gestation. This migration of organs into the chest cavity, through the hernia, prevents the lungs from developing properly due to crowding and compression. Babies who have CDH suffer from small and underdeveloped lungs.
This was the case for Max as his left lung was 20% the size of a normal baby. He did quite well during the first two weeks and was to be extubated Monday if all went well. Unfortunately, things have taken a turn for the worse and Max is now on a heart and lung machine. His lungs became full of blood and his oxygen levels plumeted. He is stable at the moment as doctors are trying to find out what is causing the problem.
The survival rate for babies with CDH is 50-65%. However, there is a doctor in Florida, Dr. David Kays that specializes in the treatement babies born with this condition(http://www.realhopeforcdh.com/). In his care, the survival rate increases to 92%! I am thankful that my Nephew and Neice are in the best hands possible as they are at Shands Hospital in Florida under Dr. Kays care. The chances of a baby having CDH is 1 in 3000. Please Lord, give Max a chance to survive in this world. If you have a chance, say a prayer for Max. Sandy
Comments(0)