Congenital diaphragmatic hernia (CDH) is a rare birth defect that occurs when incomplete formation of the diaphragm allows abdominal organs to protrude into the chest.
This herniation of abdominal organs compresses developing lung tissue and impairs lung development, typically causing respiratory distress shortly after birth.
Dr. Kays is the medical director of the Center for Congenital Diaphragmatic Hernia (CDH) at Johns Hopkins All Children’s and leads the first unit in the country exclusively dedicated to these patients.
