Risk Factors for Brachial Plexus Birth Injury

Area of Science:

• Obstetrics and Gynecology
• Neonatal Health
• Perinatal Medicine

Background:

• The incidence of brachial plexus birth injury (BPBI) has unexpectedly increased over recent decades.
• Despite medical advancements, effective preventative measures for BPBI remain a critical need.

Purpose of the Study:

• To identify novel risk factors associated with brachial plexus birth injury (BPBI).
• To pinpoint risk factors that can inform the development of preventative strategies for BPBI.

Main Methods:

• A case-control study was conducted involving 52 mothers of infants with BPBI and 132 control mothers.
• Univariate, multivariable, and logistic regression analyses were employed to identify risk factors and their interactions.

Main Results:

• Oxytocin use was associated with a 2.5-fold increase in BPBI odds.
• Tachysystole during labor increased BPBI odds by 3.7 times.
• A combination of more than three factors (e.g., high maternal weight gain, prolonged second stage of labor, advanced maternal age, tachysystole, fetal malpresentation) significantly elevated BPBI risk.

Conclusions:

• The co-occurrence of oxytocin use and tachysystole during labor elevates the risk of brachial plexus birth injury.
• Specific combinations of maternal and labor variables are predictive of increased BPBI risk, highlighting targets for intervention.