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Risk factors for Erb-Duchenne palsy
D B Acker1, K D Gregory, B P Sachs
1Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Charles A. Dana Research Institute, Boston, Massachusetts.
Obstetrics and Gynecology
|March 1, 1988
Summary
Maternal diabetes significantly increases the risk of Erb-Duchenne palsy, a birth injury. Precipitate labor also contributes to this neurologic complication in infants.
Area of Science:
- Obstetrics
- Neonatal Neurology
- Perinatology
Background:
- Erb-Duchenne palsy is a significant neonatal neurologic complication.
- Risk factors for Erb-Duchenne palsy require further investigation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To examine risk factors associated with Erb-Duchenne palsy.
- To compare the incidence of Erb-Duchenne palsy in diabetic versus nondiabetic pregnancies.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective analysis of Erb-Duchenne palsy cases.
- Comparison of incidence rates between diabetic and nondiabetic gravidas.
- Evaluation of labor characteristics in affected infants.
Main Results:
- A statistically significant higher incidence of Erb-Duchenne palsy was observed in diabetic gravidas (10.5 per 1000) compared to nondiabetic gravidas (0.56 per 1000).
- One in six infants of diabetic gravidas with shoulder dystocia experienced Erb-Duchenne palsy.
- A high incidence (31.8%) of precipitate second-stage labor was noted in infants with this neurologic complication.
Conclusions:
- Maternal diabetes is a significant risk factor for Erb-Duchenne palsy.
- Precipitate labor may contribute to Erb-Duchenne palsy, but is not preventable.
- The risk of Erb-Duchenne palsy exists across all levels of physician experience.