A rare case of diaphragmatic paralysis due to isolated phrenic nerve palsy in neonate

Abstract

Isolated phrenic nerve palsy is a rare result of birth injury, and carries a high respiratory morbidity if complicated by diaphragmatic paralysis. I report an unusual case of phrenic nerve palsy in a neonate delivered by vacuum extraction, with no shoulder dystocia or brachial plexus injury, and challenge the conventional understanding of the true incidence, pathogenesis and proper management of this condition.

South African Journal of Child Health Vol. 2 (1) 2008: pp. 28-29