A Study on the Risk Factors for Obstetrical Brachial Plexus Palsy

ObjectiveConsiderable medical and legal debates have surrounded the prognosis and outcome of obstetrical brachial plexus injuries and obstetricians are oftenconsidered responsible for the injury. In this study, we assessed the factors related to the outcome of brachial plexus palsy.Material & MethodsDuring 24 months, 21 neonates with obstetrical brachial plexus injuries were enrolled.Electrophysiology studies were done at the age of three weeks. They received physiotherapy and occupational therapy. They were examined every 3 monthsfor one year and limbs function was assessed according to Mallet scores; also, maternal and neonatal factors were collected by a questionnaire.Results There were 10 boys and 11 girls.Of all, 76.2% had Erb's palsy, 19% had total brachial palsy and 4.8% hadklumpke paralysis.Risk factors including primiparity, high birth weight, shoulder dystocia, andprolonged second stage of labor were assessed.Electrophysiology studies showed neuropraxia in 52.4% and axonal injuries in42.9% of the patients.At the end of the first year, 81% of the patients had functioned recovery aroundgrade III or IV of Mallet scores.There were only significant relationships between functional improvement andneurophysiologic findings.ConclusionOutcome of obstetrical brachial injuries has a close relationship toneurophysiologic study results than other risk factors