UNILATERAL PARALYSIS OF THE DIAPHRAGM IN THE NEWBORN INFANT DUE TO PHRENIC NERVE INJURY, WITH AND WITHOUT ASSOCIATED BRACHIAL PALSY

[摘要] The literature on diaphragmatic paralysis in the newborn infant due to phrenic nerve injury is reviewed. Four additional cases are described. Fluoroscopic as well as roentgenographic examination of the chest is urged in the diagnosis of thoracic pathology in the newborn period.Stimulation of the phrenic nerve is believed to be an aid in determining the prognosis. If the diaphragm contracts one can infer that the nerve is intact below the level of stimulation and that the diaphragm has not undergone atrophy of disuse, and that the muscle fibers are capable of contraction when adequately stimulated. Failure of the diaphragm to contract means that the nerve has been compromised below the level of stimulation or that the muscle fibers of the diaphragm are too atrophic to contract. The prognosis in the latter cases must be guarded.

[学科分类] 儿科学