[Treatment of diaphragmatic paralysis in the newborn infant]

The paralysis of the diaphragm in the newborn is a rare pathological event. The "paradoxical movement" of the affected emidiaphragm can sometimes determine a important respiratory insufficiency. Medical treatment involves supplying oxygen, CPAP by means of a nasal cannula or mechanical ventilation with PEEP. Surgical plication of the affected emidiaphragm is recommended when a regular diaphragmatic function is not restored at 5-6 weeks of age and in the presence of serious respiratory insufficiency. Three cases are reported in this article which needed different therapeutical approaches.