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Published on: December 19, 2019
Comorbidities in Infants and Children with Neonatal Brachial Plexus Palsy: A Scoping Review to Inform Multisystem
Sarah P Lewis1,2, Jane K Sweeney1
1Rocky Mountain University of Health Professions, Provo, UT, USA.
Insights
Neonatal brachial plexus palsy (NBPP) in children is often accompanied by various comorbidities. Early identification by therapists aids in timely referrals and improved patient outcomes.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Rehabilitation
- Neurology
- Physical Therapy
Background:
- Neonatal brachial plexus palsy (NBPP) affects infants and children, potentially leading to various health issues.
- Comorbidities associated with NBPP require comprehensive assessment to optimize patient care.
Purpose of the Study:
- To explore comorbidities in infants and children diagnosed with NBPP.
- To guide physical and occupational therapy screening protocols for children with NBPP.
Main Methods:
- A scoping review of literature published between January 1996 and September 2021.
- Searched EBSCO Discovery and EMBASE databases for studies on comorbidities in children (birth to 18 years) with NBPP.
- Extracted and charted data on comorbidity prevalence, risk factors, clinical features, and outcomes.
Main Results:
- Thirty-six articles were included, identifying 14 distinct comorbidities.
- Prevalent comorbidities included clavicle fractures, plagiocephaly, torticollis, high BMI, and language delays.
- Facial nerve palsy was the least prevalent comorbidity identified.
Conclusions:
- Knowledge of NBPP comorbidities enables therapists to perform thorough multisystem screenings.
- Identifying risk factors through patient history is crucial for detecting comorbidities.
- Early detection facilitates timely specialist referrals, enhancing overall care for affected children.
Aims:
The scoping review was undertaken to explore comorbidities in infants and children with neonatal brachial plexus palsy (NBPP). The purpose of the review was to inform physical and occupational therapy screening of multiple body systems during the examination of children with NBPP.
Methods:
EBSCO Discovery and EMBASE electronic databases were searched for reports published between January 1996 and September 2021 describing comorbidities in children with NBPP between birth and 18 years. Key data pertaining to comorbidity prevalence, risk factors, clinical features, and associated outcomes were extracted and charted by one researcher and confirmed by a second researcher.
Results:
Thirty-six articles were included in the scoping review. Fourteen comorbidities were identified across the musculoskeletal, neurological, cardiopulmonary, and integumentary systems and the communication domain. The most prevalent comorbidities were clavicle fractures, plagiocephaly, torticollis, high body mass index, and language delays. The least prevalent comorbidity was facial nerve palsy.
Conclusions:
Physical and occupational therapists can use knowledge of comorbidities in infants and children with NBPP for multisystem screening during the examination. A thorough history can identify risk factors for comorbidities. Detection of comorbidities during screening allows for timely specialty referrals to optimize care.
