EC Paediatrics

Diaphragmatic paralysis secondary to obstetric trauma during an obstructed delivery is rare, it can be life-threatening to the newborn due to the delay in diagnosis.

We report a case of ipsilateral phrenic palsy secondary to brachial plexus injury following obstetric trauma, in a newborn born of a breech dystocic delivery, admitted on day 4 of life for respiratory distress with feeding difficulties and decreased mobility of the left upper limb. The neonate was treated with antibiotic therapy and oxygen therapy with continuous positive airway pressure. The surgical indication was not indicated in our patient. The respiratory evolution was marked by dependence on low oxygen flows and then successful weaning.

 Keywords: Ipsilateral Diaphragmatic Paralysis; Brachial Plexus Injury; Obstetric Trauma

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