[Intrapartum risk factors for brachial plexus palsy].

BACKGROUND

Obstetrical brachial plexus lesion (OPBL) complicates a very small proportion of births. The aim of this study was to establish incidence of OPBL at Department of Gyneclogy and Obstetrics during a period of nine years, from 01.01.1996 to 31.12.2004, and to analyse intrapartum risk factors for OPBL.

SUBJECTS AND

METHODS

The analysis was retrospective and is based on medical documentation from Departments of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Neurology, and Rehabilitation, University Clinical Center Tuzla. We analyzed a group of 86 newborns with OPBL born form 01.01.1996. - 31.12.2004. Differences among study and control groups were compared using Hi2 test. Probability value of p<0.01 was considered significant.

RESULTS

During nine years period incidence of OPBL was 1.86 per 1000 live-born children. Analyzing maternal factors, and the delivery pattern itself, we have found that the highest factors of risk for OPBL are shortened second stage of delivery (<15 minutes) (p<0.01), and vacuum-extractor assisted delivery of newborns (p<0.01). Newborns, who were delivered vaginally, were not diagnosed to have a higher frequency of OPBL compared to newborns who were delivered by Caesarian section.

CONCLUSION

Incidence of OPBL at Departmenf of Gynecology and Obstetrics is 1.86/1000 liveborn children. Most important intrapartum risk factor for OPBL are shortened second stage of delivery and vacum-extractor assisted delivery.