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Brazilian research published in the journal Scientific Reports sheds light on the rapid and often fatal deterioration in the health of newborns with congenital diaphragmatic hernia (CDH). In addition to uncovering the biological mechanism behind this sudden deterioration, the study raises concerns about the treatments currently used in neonatal intensive care units.

Congenital diaphragmatic hernia is considered a rare condition that occurs when the diaphragm (the muscle that separates the chest from the abdomen) does not form completely during embryonic development, leaving an opening. Through this "hole," abdominal organs—such as the stomach, intestines and liver—can move into the chest cavity and occupy the space normally reserved for the lungs. This compresses the lungs and prevents them from developing normally. The causes are still unknown.

Babies are born with breathing difficulties and low blood oxygen levels. They may also have high blood pressure in the lungs, which puts a strain on the heart. For this reason, they require intensive care to stabilize their condition. Surgery can correct mild cases and improve survival rates in severe cases.

While studying this condition, researchers discovered that "nonfunctional" capillaries—small blood vessels that do not participate in oxygen exchange—proliferate in the compressed lungs of these newborns. The study reveals that pulmonary hypertension, previously viewed solely as a problem, actually acts as a temporary shield to prevent blood from flooding and overloading this network of nonfunctional vessels.

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