CDH Australia contributing to vital research

(L-R) CDH researchers Dr Kelly Crossley,
Dr Ryan Hodges, Dr Philip DeKoninck
and Ms Margaret Polacska

Until the birth of her first child, Margaret Polacska had never heard of CDH Australia.

Like all expectant mothers, Margaret was looking forward to a healthy baby and starting life as a family.  Tragically, her baby boy Noah died in December 2007 from a fatal form of congenital diaphragmatic hernia.

Babies born with congenital diaphragmatic hernia, or CDH have a hole in the diaphragm that allows the stomach, intestines and liver to move up into the chest, stopping normal lung growth. Unfortunately many babies with CDH die at birth.

Margaret joined volunteer-run charity CDH Australia soon after her loss, where she made friends and found support to help her through her heartbreaking grief.

Her gratitude for CDH Australia was such that she began volunteering for the charity, and Margaret now serves as their President.

Like Margaret, Head of Perinatal Services at Monash Health Dr Ryan Hodges had never heard of CDH Australia until a chance hallway conversation with one of his research staff whose son was born with CDH.

Senior lecturer and researcher Dr Hodges is leading a novel research project at The Ritchie Centre, Hudson Institute, Monash University into CDH.

“CDH occurs in approximately 1 in 2,500 births and remains lethal or associated with serious morbidity in a large number of cases—the devastating consequences of inadequate lung growth and development,” said Dr Hodges.

“Despite modern neonatal care, 30-50% of babies born with CDH die postnatally and long-term morbidity is common, with survivors at risk for thriving problems, neurological, neurodevelopmental and chronic lung disease.”

In Dr Hodges’ research project, babies in the womb undergo keyhole surgery, placing a balloon in their airways, trapping lung-liquid and helping lung growth. 

The aim of Dr Hodges’ research project is to establish whether human amnion epithelial cells

(hAECs), a type of placental stem cell, when administered antenatally to fetuses with CDH, can restore lung growth by promoting tissue regeneration and repair in utero.

CDH Australia has recently donated $30,000 towards Dr Hodges’ research project.

“Our contribution to Dr Hodges’ pilot study is indicative of our strong support for his work and it is the first time CDH Australia has been able to donate to research,” said Margaret.

“Our donation was made possible by parents of children with CDH, who generously donated in honour and in memory of their child.”

“CDH Australia receives no government funding and we support hundreds of CDH parents and their extended families each year, relying on donations and the passion, gratitude and commitment of our volunteers,” added Margaret.  

Margaret said that CDH Australia families are very excited about the potential advancements in survival rates due to Dr Hodges' pilot study.

“The longer-term vision for our research is to develop the next major advance in the management of the very preterm infant,” said Dr Hodges.

“Ultimately, we hope that our work will lead to the future healthy survival of babies

who may have otherwise died or survived with disability from prenatal lung disease.”

Donations to CDH Australia can be made online at http://cdh.org.au/donate.