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A 28--old g2p1 with gestational diabetes gives birth to a 4490 g baby b

Mon, 08 Feb 2010 20:55:48 -0500

A 28-year-old G2P1 with gestational diabetes gives birth to a 4490 g baby boy at 40 weeks.

The delivery was complicated by shoulder presentation, but the baby was delivered using the McRoberts maneuver and suprapubic pressure.

On exam, the baby has a strong cry, but is found to have asymmetric arm movements.

On further exam, the baby's left arm is adducted and internally rotated.

Which of the following is the most likely diagnosis?

Choice A . Clavicular fracture
Choice B . Diaphragmatic paralysis
Choice C . Erb's palsy
Choice D . Humerus fracture
Choice E . Klumpke's palsy

Mon, 08 Feb 2010 22:46:09 -0500
c
Tue, 09 Feb 2010 00:25:28 -0500
c

The correct answer is Erb',s Palsy.

This is the most likely diagnosis given the above physical exam and risk factors, including maternal gestational diabetes and macrosomia.

Erb',s palsy is a C5 and C6 injury that accounts for the majority of obstetrical brachial plexus nerve palsies in newborns.

The etiology of these nerve palsies may be iatrogenic lateral traction on the fetal head, usually during deliveries in which there is shoulder dystocia.

Arm weakness involves the deltoid and infraspinatus muscles (mainly C5) and biceps (mainly C6). On physical exam, the upper arm is adducted and internally rotated with the forearm extended, but the hand and wrist are spared.

Klumpke',s palsy (C8-T1 nerve injury) is not correct since this is seen much less frequently and often presents with hand paralysis and ipsilateral Horner',s syndrome.

Clavicular fractures and humerus fractures are less common fetal complications of shoulder dystocia.

Diaphragmatic paralysis would occur with injury to the phrenic nerve.

However, this would present with signs and symptoms of respiratory distress including tachypnea, mild to severe respiratory distress, cyanosis, apnea, or a weak cry.

Neonates with diaphragmatic paralysis may also have a brachial plexus paralysis, however given that this baby has no respiratory symptoms, this is a less likely diagnosis.


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