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Risk factors for neonatal brachial plexus paralysis

  • Maternal-Fetal Medicine
  • Published:
Archives of Gynecology and Obstetrics Aims and scope Submit manuscript

Abstract

Purpose

The study was aimed to identify risk factors for neonatal brachial plexus paralysis.

Methods

A retrospective case–control study was designed. A comparison was performed between cases of brachial plexus paralysis, with all consecutive deliveries during the same 5 months period, without brachial plexus paralysis. Statistical analysis was performed using the SPSS package.

Results

The prevalence of brachial plexus paralysis was 1.62/1,000 (9/5,525) vaginal births. Independent risk factors for brachial plexus paralysis were shoulder dystocia (OR = 525; 95% CI 51–4,977, P < 0.001), vacuum delivery (OR = 16.4; 95% CI 3.7–70.5, P < 0.001), macrosomia (birth weight >4,000 g; OR = 16.3; 95% CI 3.7–70.2, P < 0.001), prolonged second stage (OR = 40.8; 95% CI 7.9–188.2, P < 0.001) and vaginal breech delivery (OR = 36.1; 95% CI 4.5–262.5, P = 0.032).

Conclusions

In our population, shoulder dystocia, macrosomia, labor dystocia, vacuum delivery and vaginal breech deliveries were significant risk factors for neonatal brachial plexus paralysis, while maternal characteristics such as obesity and diabetes were not. Despite our growing knowledge concerning the risk factors associated with brachial plexus paralysis, unfortunately, this condition cannot be predicted or prevented.

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Conflict of interest

No actual or potential conflict of interest in relation to this article exists.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Faculty of Health Sciences, Soroka University Medical Center, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, P.O. Box 151, Be’er Sheva, Israel

    Rania Okby & Eyal Sheiner

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  1. Rania Okby
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  2. Eyal Sheiner
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Correspondence to Rania Okby.

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Okby, R., Sheiner, E. Risk factors for neonatal brachial plexus paralysis. Arch Gynecol Obstet 286, 333–336 (2012). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00404-012-2272-z

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00404-012-2272-z

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