Health-related quality of life in children with obstetrical brachial plexus palsy

Maternal Epidemiology of Brachial Plexus Birth Injuries in California: 1996 to 2012

OBJECTIVE

 This study aimed to evaluate the incidence of brachial plexus birth injury (BPBI) and its associations with maternal demographic factors. Additionally, we sought to determine whether longitudinal changes in BPBI incidence differed by maternal demographics.

STUDY DESIGN

 We conducted a retrospective cohort study of over 8 million maternal-infant pairs using California's Office of Statewide Health Planning and Development Linked Birth Files from 1991 to 2012. Descriptive statistics were used to determine BPBI incidence and the prevalence of maternal demographic factors (race, ethnicity, age). Multivariable logistic regression was used to determine associations of year, maternal race, ethnicity, and age with BPBI. Excess population-level risk associated with these characteristics was determined by calculating population attributable fractions.

RESULTS

 The incidence of BPBI between 1991 and 2012 was 1.28 per 1,000 live births, with peak incidence of 1.84 per 1,000 in 1998 and low of 0.9 per 1,000 in 2008. Incidence varied by demographic group, with infants of Black (1.78 per 1,000) and Hispanic (1.34 per 1,000) mothers having higher incidences compared with White (1.25 per 1,000), Asian (0.8 per 1,000), Native American (1.29 per 1,000), other race (1.35 per 1,000), and non-Hispanic (1.15 per 1,000) mothers. After controlling for delivery method, macrosomia, shoulder dystocia, and year, infants of Black (adjusted odds ratio [AOR] = 1.88, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.70, 2.08), Hispanic (AOR = 1.25, 95% CI = 1.18, 1.32), and advanced-age mothers (AOR = 1.16, 95% CI = 1.09, 1.25) were at increased risk. Disparities in risk experienced by Black, Hispanic, and advanced-age mothers contributed to a 5, 10, and 2% excess risk at the population level, respectively. Longitudinal trends in incidence did not vary among demographic groups. Population-level changes in maternal demographics did not explain changes in incidence over time.

CONCLUSION

 Although BPBI incidence has decreased in California, demographic disparities exist. Infants of Black, Hispanic, and advanced-age mothers are at increased BPBI risk compared with White, non-Hispanic, and younger mothers.

KEY POINTS

· The incidence of BPBI has decreased over time.. · Demographic disparities in BPBI incidence and risk exist.. · Infants of Black, Hispanic, and advanced age mothers are at greatest risk of BPBI..

Impact of brachial plexus birth injury on health-related quality of life in adulthood: a mixed methods survey study

PURPOSE

To describe the scope and nature of health concerns, functional impairments, and quality of life issues among adults with brachial plexus birth injury (BPBI).

METHODS

A mixed methods study was conducted by surveying two social media networks of adults with BPBI using a combination of closed-ended and open-ended questions regarding the role of BPBI on ones' health, function, and quality of life. Closed-ended responses were compared across ages and genders. Open-ended responses were qualitatively analyzed to expand upon the close-ended responses.

RESULTS

Surveys were completed by 183 respondents (83% female, age range 20-87 years). BPBI was reported to impact hand and arm use in 80% of participants (including affected and unaffected limbs and bimanual tasks), overall health in 60% (predominantly pain), activity participation in 79% (predominantly activities of daily living and leisure), life roles in 76% (predominantly occupation and parenting), and overall quality of life in 73% (predominantly self-esteem, relationships, and appearance). Significantly more females than males reported other medical conditions and an impact on hand and arm use and life roles. No other responses varied by age or gender.

CONCLUSIONS

BPBI affects many facets of health related quality of life in adulthood with variability among affected individuals.

Patient reported outcomes in brachial plexus birth injury: results from the iPLUTO world-wide consensus survey

PURPOSE

Brachial plexus birth injuries (BPBI) can have lifelong effects on the development and functional use of the upper extremity. Currently there is no agreement with regards to what patient-reported outcome (PRO) measures should be used. Therefore, the ability to compare the effects of treatment between individuals and institutions is challenging. This study aimed to achieve consensus among clinicians on the use of PRO measures within this patient group to allow for improved comparison of treatments and outcomes in the future.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Online, a 3 round Delphi survey was completed by 35 international multi-disciplinary specialist centers.

RESULTS

All respondents (100%) agreed that PRO measures are useful for clinical evaluation and patient treatment. None of the outcome measures scored >75% agreement for ability to assess responsiveness and current state in children with BPBI as most outcome measures were judged as not specific for BPBI. Additionally, participant centers were asked their perspective on the best available PRO option for each of the 3 categories: functional use of the upper limb, quality of life and pain. This resulted in endorsement by the participant centers of the Brachial Plexus Outcome Measure - Self-Evaluation, the Pediatric Quality of Life Inventory, and Visual Analogue Scale/Brief Pain Inventory respectively.

CONCLUSION

International specialists in BPBI agree that PRO measures are important to use both clinically and in research in children aged 5 years and above.

Mental health risk and protective factors associated with brachial plexus birth injuries: a scoping review

PURPOSE

The purpose of this scoping review is to synthesize the current evidence on the risk and protective factors associated with mental health in children with brachial plexus birth injury (BPBI) and associated interventions.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

MEDLINE, EMBASE, and Cochrane databases were searched for reports on mental health in children with BPBI between 10 and 18 years. Risk and protective factors were charted using the VicHealth review and the Person-Environment-Occupation model.

RESULTS

Of 732 records found, 133 full text reports were reviewed and 16 reports were included. Multiple mental health risks associated with BPBI were identified, while protective factors were largely unexplored. Person-related risks were most common including negative coping strategies (n = 8, 50%) and pain (n = 6, 38%). Most frequently reported environment and occupation risk factors were social difficulties (n = 9, 56%) and challenges with upper limb function and daily activities (n = 6, 38%). Good self-determination and/or self-concept (n = 5, 30%) was the most common protective factor.

CONCLUSIONS

Research using a strengths-based approach is needed to elucidate protective factors and further understanding of the intersection of person and socio-cultural risk factors of mental health in children with BPBI.

Association of Parity and Previous Birth Outcome With Brachial Plexus Birth Injury Risk

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the association of maternal delivery history with a brachial plexus birth injury risk in subsequent deliveries and to estimate the effect of subsequent delivery method on brachial plexus birth injury risk.

METHODS

We conducted a retrospective cohort study of all live-birth deliveries occurring in California-licensed hospitals from 1996 to 2012. The primary outcome was recurrent brachial plexus birth injury in a subsequent pregnancy. The exposure was delivery history (parity, shoulder dystocia in a previous delivery, or previously delivering a neonate with brachial plexus birth injury). Multiple logistic regression was used to model adjusted associations of delivery history with brachial plexus birth injury in a subsequent pregnancy. The adjusted risk and adjusted risk difference for brachial plexus birth injury between vaginal and cesarean deliveries in subsequent pregnancies were determined, stratified by delivery history, and the number of cesarean deliveries needed to prevent one brachial plexus birth injury was determined.

RESULTS

Of 6,286,324 neonates delivered by 4,104,825 individuals, 7,762 (0.12%) were diagnosed with a brachial plexus birth injury. Higher parity was associated with a 5.7% decrease in brachial plexus birth injury risk with each subsequent delivery (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] 0.94, 95% CI 0.92-0.97). Shoulder dystocia or brachial plexus birth injury in a previous delivery was associated with fivefold (0.58% vs 0.11%, aOR 5.39, 95% CI 4.10-7.08) and 17-fold (1.58% vs 0.11%, aOR 17.22, 95% CI 13.31-22.27) increases in brachial plexus birth injury risk, respectively. Among individuals with a history of delivering a neonate with a brachial plexus birth injury, cesarean delivery was associated with a 73.0% decrease in brachial plexus birth injury risk (0.60% vs 2.21%, aOR 0.27, 95% CI 0.13-0.55) compared with an 87.9% decrease in brachial plexus birth injury risk (0.02% vs 0.15%, aOR 0.12, 95% CI 0.10-0.15) in individuals without this history. Among individuals with a history of brachial plexus birth injury, 48.1 cesarean deliveries are needed to prevent one brachial plexus birth injury.

CONCLUSIONS

Parity, previous shoulder dystocia, and previously delivering a neonate with brachial plexus birth injury are associated with future brachial plexus birth injury risk. These factors are identifiable prenatally and can inform discussions with pregnant individuals regarding brachial plexus birth injury risk and planned mode of delivery.

Intersection of physical and mental health of youth with brachial plexus birth injuries: A qualitative study

Introduction

Youth with brachial plexus birth injuries (BPBI) have an increased risk of mental health issues such as depression, anxiety, and diminished self-confidence. Despite this evidence, current standards of care focus on physical interventions. Evaluation of psychological and emotional concerns is rarely prioritized in clinical settings. Therefore, mental health needs are unmet and poorly understood.

Methods

An interpretivist qualitative approach was used to understand the perspectives of youth with BPBI and their caregivers on the barriers and facilitators of addressing mental health concerns, to inform practice guidelines, and promote meaningful participation within this population.

Results

A purposeful sample of nine youth with BPBI between 10 to 20 years and eight caregivers participated in in-depth interviews. The interviews were semi-structured and an average of 60 min (35-85 min) long. Three themes emerged from these data: (i) physical disability identity and mental health; (ii) pursuit of "normal" body image; and (iii) paradox of advocacy. Findings illuminated the intersection of physical and mental health in these youth and provides actionable practice recommendations. Areas of need were identified including mental health support around the challenges of advocacy, body image, surgery, and preparation for the 'aging out' process for youth and their families.

Conclusions

The well-being of youth with BPBI is a result of the intersection between their physical and mental health. Further research on optimizing mental health resources within physical health settings is needed to better support the holistic needs of these youth and their families.

Prevalence of perinatal factors in infants with brachial plexus birth injuries and their association with injury severity

OBJECTIVES

To determine the prevalence of perinatal factors associated with brachial plexus birth injury (BPBI) in affected infants and their relationship with BPBI severity.

STUDY DESIGN

Retrospective study of BPBI infants prospectively enrolled in a multicenter registry. The prevalence of perinatal factors was calculated. Infants were stratified by injury severity and groups were compared to determine the association of severity and perinatal factors.

RESULTS

Seven-hundred-ninety-six BPBI infants had a mean 4.2 ± 1.6 perinatal factors. Nearly all (795/796) reported at least one factor, including shoulder dystocia(96%), no clavicle fracture (91%), difficult delivery(84%), parity >1(61%) and birthweight >4000 g(55%). Ten-percent (74/778) had Horner's syndrome and 28%(222/796) underwent nerve surgery. Birth asphyxia and NICU admission were significantly associated with injury severity.

CONCLUSIONS

NICU admission and asphyxia were associated with BPBI severity. An improved understanding of the relationship between perinatal factors and BPBI severity may be used to guide early referral to BPBI providers and support prevention efforts.

Brachial Plexus Birth Injury: A Review of Neurology Literature Assessing Variability and Current Recommendations

BACKGROUND

Publications regarding the epidemiology and management of brachial plexus birth injury (BPBI) were evaluated to investigate treatment guidelines for children with BPBI.

METHODS

A search of neurology literature from 1990 to 2019 was performed using PubMed, Scopus, and Medline. Data including incidence, risk factors, spontaneous recovery rates, imaging studies, treatment recommendations, and indications and timing for surgery were collected.

RESULTS

A total of 46 total studies were reviewed. Reported incidence rates for BPBI ranged from 0.3 to 3 per 1000 births. Spontaneous recovery rates had an average reported range from 66% to 75%. Physical and occupational therapy were recommended in 37% of articles. Computed tomographic myelogram and magnetic resonance imaging of the brachial plexus were the most commonly recommended imaging studies for BPBI. Timelines for surgical interventions ranged from age three to nine months. Early referral was recommended in 28% of the articles included in the review.

CONCLUSIONS

Given the inconsistencies in spontaneous recovery rates, imaging recommendations, and timing of referral, establishing consistent clinical guidelines for patients with BPBI is crucial for management. Early referral to specialists for evaluation and treatment may improve outcomes in children with BPBI.

Impact of lack of face-to-face schooling during COVID-19 confinement on family quality of life of children with disabilities and typical development

Objective:

The aim of this study was to analyze the impact of the lack of face-to-face schooling during the COVID-19 confinement on the family quality of life of children aged 3–6 years with hemiplegia, obstetrical brachial palsy, and typical development.

Materials and Methods:

An observational and cross-sectional study, using an online survey hosted in Google Forms from October to December 2020, was performed in families with children with infantile hemiplegia, obstetrical brachial palsy, and typical development aged 3–6 years living in Spain. The quality of life and family impact (measured through Pediatric Quality of Life Questionnaires, PedsQL™) were evaluated, as well as the affected upper limb side, the presence of other associated problems, the parents’ job, lack of use of the affected upper limb, and the type of online intervention using different channels: phone calls, emails, and video calls. Family expectations on the treatment and on their acquired capacity to solve problems related to their children were also measured.

Results:

A total of 93 families participated in the study and the children’s quality of life and family impact obtained a strong correlation in three populations: infantile hemiplegia (r = 0.844), obstetrical brachial palsy (r = 0.513), and typical development (r = 0.904). There was no association between quality of life and online intervention (phone calls and emails were selected), p > 0.05.

Conclusion:

The deprivation of schooling coupled with home confinement due to the COVID-19 pandemic had a greater impact on the quality of life of children with disabilities: infantile hemiplegia and obstetrical brachial palsy than on typically developing children and on their families. However, the online intervention did not produce improvements in quality of life, which could be a consequence of using emails or phone calls instead of video calls to interact with the families.

The Relationship between Trunk Control and Upper Extremity Function in Children with Obstetric Brachial Plexus Palsy

PURPOSE

This study aimed to assess sitting skills and trunk control in children with obstetric brachial plexus palsy (OBPP) and investigate the effect of these skills on upper extremity function.

METHODS

A total of 106 children with OBPP aged 10-18 months were included in this study. Injury severity was determined with Narakas Classification. The Gross Motor Function Measurement Sitting Sub-scale was used to assess sitting skills, while the Sitting Assessment Scale was used to evaluate the trunk control. The upper extremity functions were assessed with using the Active Movement Scale and the Modified Mallet Score.

RESULTS

As the severity of injury increased, sitting skills and trunk control values decreased (p = .0001). In addition, upper extremity function decreased with the decreasing sitting skills and trunk control (p = .0001).

CONCLUSION

Rehabilitation approaches should involve approaches that aim to increase trunk control in addition to programs targeting the extremity function in children with OBPP.

Macrophage roles in peripheral nervous system injury and pathology: Allies in neuromuscular junction recovery

Peripheral nerve injuries remain challenging to treat despite extensive research on reparative processes at the injury site. Recent studies have emphasized the importance of immune cells, particularly macrophages, in recovery from nerve injury. Macrophage plasticity enables numerous functions at the injury site. At early time points, macrophages perform inflammatory functions, but at later time points, they adopt pro-regenerative phenotypes to support nerve regeneration. Research has largely been limited, however, to the injury site. The neuromuscular junction (NMJ), the synapse between the nerve terminal and end target muscle, has received comparatively less attention, despite the importance of NMJ reinnervation for motor recovery. Macrophages are present at the NMJ following nerve injury. Moreover, in denervating diseases, such as amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), macrophages may also play beneficial roles at the NMJ. Evidence of positive macrophages roles at the injury site after peripheral nerve injury and at the NMJ in denervating pathologies suggest that macrophages may promote NMJ reinnervation. In this review, we discuss the intersection of nerve injury and immunity, with a focus on macrophages.

QUALITY OF LIFE AND UPPER LIMB FUNCTION OF CHILDREN WITH NEONATAL BRACHIAL PLEXUS PALSY

OBJECTIVE

To compare the upper limb function and quality of life between children with neonatal brachial plexus palsy and controls with unaffected brachial plexus (typical children).

METHODS

Twenty-four children with neonatal brachial plexus palsy and 24 typical ones were evaluated, both groups with 10±3 years of age. The upper limb function was assessed by the Modified Mallet Scale and the Active Movement Scale, whereas quality of life was analyzed by the Pediatric Outcome Data Collection Instrument and the Child Health Questionnaire. Mann-Whitney U tests investigated the differences between groups in such scales.

RESULTS

Children with neonatal brachial plexus palsy presented lower limb function compared to typical children in both scales. These children also presented lower scores for most of the Pediatric Outcome Data Collection Instrument domains, except for comfort/pain. In addition, they had lower scores in the following domains of the Child Health Questionnaire: physical functioning, pain, behavior, mental health, overall health perception, emotional impact on parents, and psychosocial summarized score.

CONCLUSIONS

Neonatal brachial plexus palsy has a negative influence on upper limb function and quality of life, mainly considering overall health, basic mobility, physical and psychosocial functions, happiness, pain, behavior, mental health, upper limb function, and emotional impact on their parents.

Health-care use and information needs of children with neonatal brachial plexus palsy: A cross-sectional survey among 465 Dutch patients

To investigate health-care use (HCU) and information needs of children aged 0-18 years with neonatal brachial plexus palsy (NBPP), a cross-sectional study was performed. Patients and/or parents seen in our NBPP clinic were invited to complete a survey comprising questions on HCU due to NBPP and current information needs. Outcomes were described for three age-groups (0-1/2-9/10-18 years), based on follow-up status (early/late/no-discharge). Four hundred sixty-five parents/patients participated (59 in the 0-1, 226 in the 2-9, and 180 in the 10-18-year group). Two hundred ninety-three patients had C5-C6 lesions, 193 were discharged from follow-up, 83 of whom categorized as 'early discharged' (<1 year of age). Over the past year, 198 patients had contact with the expert team (49 in the 0-1, 81 in the 2-9, and 68 in the 10-18-year group) and 288 with at least one other health-care professional (53 in the 0-1, 133 in the 2-9, and 102 in the 10-18-year group). Of the 83 patients discharged early, 34 reported health-care use. Two hundred twenty-eight participants reported current information needs of whom 23 were discharged early. HCU and information needs of Dutch children with NBPP remains considerable even in children who were discharged. Stricter follow-up and information provision for these patients is needed.

Surgical Reconstruction for Upper-Extremity Paralysis Following Acute Flaccid Myelitis

Acute flaccid myelitis (AFM) is a debilitating illness that is defined by the sudden onset of flaccid paralysis in the extremities with spinal magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) demonstrating a longitudinal lesion confined to the gray matter. The purpose of this study was to report the types of upper-extremity palsy and outcomes of surgical reconstruction in patients with AFM.

Neonatal Brachial Plexus Palsy in Children Aged 0 to 2.5 Years; Parent-Perceived Family Impact, Quality of Life, and Upper Extremity Functioning

BACKGROUND

To investigate whether parents perceive impact of neonatal brachial plexus palsy on family and quality of life and upper extremity functioning in children less than 2.5 years.

METHODS

This cross-sectional study used the PedsQL Family Impact Module (36 items/one total/four scales/scores 0 to 100), TNO-AZL (Dutch Organisation of Applied Natural Science and Academic Hospital Leiden) Preschool Children Quality of Life (43 items/12 scales/scores 0 to 100) and 21 upper extremity functioning questions. Associations between neonatal brachial plexus palsy/patient characteristics and family impact, perceived quality of life, and upper extremity functioning were investigated using regression analysis.

RESULTS

Parents of 59 children (median age, 18 months) participated, 49 with C5-C6/C5-C7 lesions. Median Family Impact Module and TNO-AZL Preschool Children Quality of Life scores were 81.3 to 100.0/100.0 and 78.6 to 100.0/100.0. TNO-AZL Preschool Children Quality of Life scores did not differ significantly to healthy references except for stomach, skin, communication, and motor functioning problems. Parents reported around three upper extremity functioning problems. Greater lesion extent, lower age, still being in follow-up, and right-sided lesions were associated with greater family impact (P < 0.01 to P < 0.1). No clinically relevant associations were found for perceived quality of life. Greater lesion extent and nerve surgery history were associated with more upper extremity functioning problems (P < 0.01). Problems were associated with parental worrying (P < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

Parents perceive having a child with neonatal brachial plexus palsy as impacting on their family depending on the side and severity of the lesion, treatment history, still being in follow-up, and age. They perceive the child's quality of life as relatively normal and not significantly different to healthy peers. However, parents noticed upper extremity functioning problems which increased parental worrying. Health care specialists should take these findings into account to better inform or counsel parents in an early stage during treatment.

Birth brachial plexus palsy: a race against time

A 5-year-old child presented to us with weakness of the left upper limb since birth. With the given history of obstetric trauma and limb examination, a diagnosis of birth brachial plexus palsy was made. Brachial plexus exploration along with microsurgery was performed at the same time which included extrinsic neurolysis of the roots and trunks and nerve transfer for better shoulder external rotation and elbow flexion. Both the movements were severely restricted previously due to co-contractures with the shoulder internal rotators and triceps. The problem of birth brachial plexus palsy is proving to be a global health burden both in developed countries and in developing countries such as India. The lack of awareness among the general public and primary healthcare providers and inadequate orthopaedic and neurosurgeons trained to treat the condition have worsened the prognosis. This case lays stress on the delayed complications in birth brachial palsy and its effective management.

Comparative outcome measures in peripheral regeneration studies

Traumatic peripheral nerve injuries are common and often result in partial or permanent paralysis, numbness of the affected limb, and debilitating neuropathic pain. Experimental animal models of nerve injury have utilized a diversity of outcome measures to examine functional recovery following injury. Four primary categories of outcome measures of regenerative success including retrograde labeling with counts of regenerating neurons, immunohistochemistry and histomorphometry, reinnervation of target muscles, and behavioral analysis of recovery will be reviewed. Validity of different outcome measures are discussed in context of hindlimb, forelimb, and facial nerve injury models. Severity of nerve injury will be highlighted, and comparisons between nerve crush injury and more severe transection and neuroma-in-continuity nerve injury paradigms will be evaluated. The case is made that specific outcome measures may be more sensitive to assessing functional recovery following nerve injury than others. This will be discussed in the context of the lack of association between certain outcome measures of nerve regeneration. Examples of inaccurate conclusions from specific outcome measures will also be considered. Overall, researchers must therefore take care to select appropriate outcome measures for animal nerve injury studies dependant on the specific experimental interventions and scientific questions addressed.

The impact of pediatric brachial plexus injury on families

PURPOSE

To determine the impact of brachial plexus injuries on families to best meet their clinical and social needs.

METHODS

Our cross-sectional study included families with children between the ages of 1 and 18 years with birth or non-neonatal brachial plexus injuries (BPIs). The consenting parent or guardian completed a demographic questionnaire and the validated Impact on Family Scale during a single assessment. Total scores can range from 0 to 100, with the higher the score indicating a higher impact on the family. Factor analysis and item-total correlations were used to examine structure, individual items, and dimensions of family impact.

RESULTS

A total of 102 caregivers participated. Overall, families perceived various dimensions of impact on having a child with a BPI. Total family impact was 43. The 2 individual items correlating most strongly with the overall total score were from the financial dimension of the Impact on Family Scale. The strongest demographic relationship was traveling nationally for care and treatment of the BPI. Severity of injury was marginally correlated with impact on the family. Parent-child agreement about the severity of the illness was relatively high.

CONCLUSIONS

Caretakers of children with a BPI perceived impact on their families in the form of personal strain, family/social factors, financial stress, and mastery. A multidisciplinary clinical care team should address the various realms of impact on family throughout the course of treatment.

TYPE OF STUDY/LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Prognostic II.

Prevalence of Posterior Shoulder Subluxation in Children With Neonatal Brachial Plexus Palsy After Early Full Passive Range of Motion Exercises

BACKGROUND

Children with neonatal brachial plexus palsy (NBPP) are often prescribed shoulder range of motion (ROM) exercises; however, the extent and timing of exercise implementation remains controversial in the context of shoulder joint integrity. The association of ROM exercises to delayed posterior shoulder subluxation (PSS) is unknown.

OBJECTIVE

To determine prevalence of PSS in children with NBPP who began full passive ROM exercises before 6 months of age, and characteristics associated with development or absence of PSS in children.

DESIGN

Cross-sectional study.

SETTING

Tertiary care NBPP referral center.

PARTICIPANTS

Forty-six children with NBPP, aged 24-57 months, who began full ROM exercises before 6 months of age.

METHODS

One radiologist conducted bilateral shoulder ultrasound (US) on each child to evaluate for PSS. One occupational therapist evaluated each child clinically for PSS using defined parameters without knowledge of US results.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

By US, 20% of children had PSS; 46% had PSS by clinical examination. Shoulder active ROM limitations and history of shoulder surgery were associated with presence of PSS. Extent of NBPP was not associated with PSS.

RESULTS

Nine of 46 children (20%) met US criteria for PSS; α angle was 58° ± 21° (mean ± standard deviation [SD]). Twenty-one children (46%) met clinical criteria. Mean age at examination was 35 ± 10 months. Shoulder active ROM (P ≤ .004) was associated with PSS, whereas passive ROM was not (P ≥ .08). History of secondary shoulder surgery and primary nerve graft repair were associated with PSS (P = .04). Extent of NBPP by Narakas classification was not associated with PSS (P = .48).

CONCLUSIONS

Early use of full-arc passive ROM home exercise program is not associated with increased prevalence of PSS in children with NBPP compared to prevalence of PSS in published literature. We suggest careful clinical examination, based on defined criteria, provides a reasonable screening examination for evaluating PSS that can be confirmed by noninvasive US.

Pharmacologic rescue of motor and sensory function by the neuroprotective compound P7C3 following neonatal nerve injury

Nerve injuries cause pain, paralysis and numbness that can lead to major disability, and newborns often sustain nerve injuries during delivery that result in lifelong impairment. Without a pharmacologic agent to enhance functional recovery from these injuries, clinicians rely solely on surgery and rehabilitation to treat patients. Unfortunately, patient outcomes remain poor despite application of the most advanced microsurgical and rehabilitative techniques. We hypothesized that the detrimental effects of traumatic neonatal nerve injury could be mitigated with pharmacologic neuroprotection, and tested whether the novel neuroprotective agent P7C3 would block peripheral neuron cell death and enhance functional recovery in a rat neonatal nerve injury model. Administration of P7C3 after sciatic nerve crush injury doubled motor and sensory neuron survival, and also promoted axon regeneration in a dose-dependent manner. Treatment with P7C3 also enhanced behavioral and muscle functional recovery, and reversed pathological mobilization of spinal microglia after injury. Our findings suggest that the P7C3 family of neuroprotective compounds may provide a basis for the development of a new neuroprotective drug to enhance recovery following peripheral nerve injury.