Respiratory distress in a one-month-old child suffering brachial plexus palsy

Promoting Recovery Following Birth Brachial Plexus Palsy

Neonatal brachial plexus palsies (NBPP) occur in 1.74 per 1000 live births with 20% to 30% having persistent deficits. Dysfunction can range from mild to severe and is correlated with the number of nerves involved and the degree of injury. In addition, there are several comorbidities and musculoskeletal sequelae that directly impact the overall functional development. This review addresses the nonsurgical and surgical management options and provides guidance for pediatricians on monitoring and when to refer for specialty care.

Comorbidities in Infants and Children with Neonatal Brachial Plexus Palsy: A Scoping Review to Inform Multisystem Screening

AIMS

The scoping review was undertaken to explore comorbidities in infants and children with neonatal brachial plexus palsy (NBPP). The purpose of the review was to inform physical and occupational therapy screening of multiple body systems during the examination of children with NBPP.

METHODS

EBSCO Discovery and EMBASE electronic databases were searched for reports published between January 1996 and September 2021 describing comorbidities in children with NBPP between birth and 18 years. Key data pertaining to comorbidity prevalence, risk factors, clinical features, and associated outcomes were extracted and charted by one researcher and confirmed by a second researcher.

RESULTS

Thirty-six articles were included in the scoping review. Fourteen comorbidities were identified across the musculoskeletal, neurological, cardiopulmonary, and integumentary systems and the communication domain. The most prevalent comorbidities were clavicle fractures, plagiocephaly, torticollis, high body mass index, and language delays. The least prevalent comorbidity was facial nerve palsy.

CONCLUSIONS

Physical and occupational therapists can use knowledge of comorbidities in infants and children with NBPP for multisystem screening during the examination. A thorough history can identify risk factors for comorbidities. Detection of comorbidities during screening allows for timely specialty referrals to optimize care.

A Rare Case of Contralateral Diaphragm Paralysis following Birth Injury with Brachial Plexus Palsy: A Case Report and Review of the Literature

Clinical History. A 4.4 kg male was born to a 25-year-old, G2P1, nondiabetic woman at 39 and 5/7 weeks. Delivery was complicated by shoulder dystocia requiring forceps-assisted vaginal delivery, resulting in left arm Erb's palsy secondary to left brachial plexus injury. He was born with low muscle tone and bradycardia and subsequently required intubation for poor respiratory effort. He was extubated on day one of life but continued to be tachypneic and have borderline oxygen saturation, requiring intensive care. Chest radiographs demonstrated a progressive clearing of his lung fields, consistent with presumptively diagnosed meconium aspiration. However, a persistent elevation of the right hemidiaphragm was noted, and his tachypnea and increased work of breathing continued. Focused ultrasound of the diaphragm was performed, confirming decreased motion of the right hemidiaphragm. Following a multidisciplinary discussion, thoracoscopic right diaphragm plication was performed on the 33rd day of life. He was extubated postoperatively and subsequently weaned to room air with a notable decrease in tachypnea over 48 hours. He was discharged on postoperative day 12 and continues to thrive at 6 months of age without respiratory embarrassment. Purpose. Ipsilateral phrenic nerve injury with diaphragm paralysis from shoulder dystocia during vaginal delivery is a recognized phenomenon. Herein, we present a case of contralateral diaphragm paralysis in order to draw attention to the clinician that this discordance is possible. Key Points. According to Raimbault et al., clinical management of newborns who experience birth injury is a multidisciplinary effort. According to Fitting and Grassino, though most cases of phrenic nerve injuries are ipsilateral to shoulder dystocia brachial plexus palsy, contralateral occurrence is possible and should be considered. According to Waters, diaphragm plication is a safe and effective operation.

Erb's palsy complicating a case of annular pancreas

We report an unusual presentation of annular pancreas with pneumoperitoneum in a newborn with an associated left sided Erb's palsy. The neurological deficit caused considerable confusion in the diagnosis and unexpected complications after surgery. We highlight the importance of clinical examination and the complications that an Erb's palsy can cause. This unusual triad of Erb's palsy, eventration of diaphragm and annular pancreas has hitherto not been described in literature.