Challenges and Pitfalls: Performing Clinical Trials in Patients With Congenital Diaphragmatic Hernia

Suzan Cochius - den Otter*, Jan A. Deprest, Laurent Storme, Anne Greenough, Dick Tibboel

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Contribution to journalReview articleAcademicpeer-review

4 Citations (Scopus)
6 Downloads (Pure)

Abstract

Congenital diaphragmatic hernia (CDH) is a rare developmental defect of the lungs and diaphragm, with substantial morbidity and mortality. Although internationally established treatment guidelines have been developed, most recommendations are still expert opinions. Trials in patients with CDH, more in particular randomized controlled trials, are rare. Only three multicenter trials in patients with CDH have been completed, which focused on fetoscopic tracheal occlusion and ventilation mode. Another four are currently recruiting, two with a focus on perinatal transition and two on the treatment of pulmonary hypertension. Herein, we discuss major challenges and pitfalls when performing a clinical trial in infants with CDH. It is essential to select the correct intervention and dose, select the appropriate population of CDH patients, and also define a relevant endpoint that allows a realistic duration and sample size. New statistical approaches might increase the feasibility of randomized controlled trials in patients with CDH. One should also timely perform the trial when there is still equipoise. But above all, awareness of policymakers for the relevance of investigator-initiated trials is essential for future clinical research in this rare disease.

Original languageEnglish
Article number852843
JournalFrontiers in Pediatrics
Volume10
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 15 Apr 2022

Bibliographical note

Funding Information:
SC-dO and DT were supported by a Grant from the Sophia Children's Hospital Foundation (SSWO 17-29) and CDH UK (16EM01).

Publisher Copyright:
Copyright © 2022 Cochius - den Otter, Deprest, Storme, Greenough and Tibboel.

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