pediatrics
Birth Injuries
Phrenic Nerve Injuries in Neonates
Most phrenic nerve injuries (about 75%) are associated with Brachial Plexus Injuries in Neonates . Injury is usually unilateral and caused by a traction injury of the head and neck. Infants have respiratory distress and decreased breath sounds on the affected side. Treatment of phrenic nerve injury is supportive and typically requires Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP) or About one third of infants recover spontaneously within the first month. Infants who do not recover may require surgical diaphragmatic plication. 