title: Diaphragmatic paralysis in extremely low birthweight neonates: Is waiting for spontaneous recovery justified?
abstract: Mortality and morbidity associated with surgical management of patent ductus arteriosus (PDA) in neonates has been reported to vary from 0% to 44%. Complications like pneumothorax, pleural effusion, recurrent nerve and phrenic nerve injury are associated with surgical closure of PDA. An extremely low birthweight neonate with diaphragmatic paralysis following phrenic nerve injury during surgical closure of PDA is reported. Delay in diaphragmatic plication for over two weeks while waiting for spontaneous recovery was associated with significant morbidity including chronic lung disease. The controversies associated with timing of diaphragmatic plication in high-risk neonates are discussed.
authors.affiliation: Department of Neonatology, Kirwan Hospital for Women, Townsville, Queensland, Australia.
authors.forename: S M
authors.initials: SM
authors.lastname: Jog
authors.forename: S K
authors.initials: SK
authors.lastname: Patole
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D004374:Ductus Arteriosus, Patent / Q000601:surgery*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D019102:Infant, Very Low Birth Weight; D010791:Phrenic Nerve / Q000293:injuries; D011247:Pregnancy; D011793:Queensland; D011859:Radiography; D012133:Respiratory Paralysis / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000209:etiology*; D012306:Risk; D013514:Surgical Procedures, Operative / Q000009:adverse effects*