Facial nerve palsy in neonates secondary to forceps use.
OBJECTIVE
To characterize the presentation, treatment, and outcome of neonates presenting with facial nerve palsy resulting from forceps use.


METHODS
Retrospective medical chart review.


METHODS
Two tertiary care pediatric hospitals.


METHODS
Neonates with facial nerve palsy caused by forceps use born during the period of April 1, 1989, to April 1, 2005.


METHODS
Resolution of facial nerve palsy.


RESULTS
Twenty-eight cases of facial nerve palsy caused by forceps use were identified. The palsy was classified as mild to moderate according to the House-Brackman scale. Except in 1 neonate, no treatment was initiated in any of the patients. All 21 neonates with adequate long-term follow-up recovered fully after an average period of 24 days.


CONCLUSIONS
Because facial nerve palsy caused by forceps use is generally mild and is associated with a favorable outcome, treatment with corticosteroids or surgery is generally not required.
Duval
Melanie
M
Department of Otolaryngology, Montreal Children's Hospital, 2300 Tupper St, Montreal, H3H 1P3, QC Canada.
Daniel
Sam J
SJ
D005158:Facial Paralysis / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000209:etiology* / Q000628:therapy; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D008297:Male; D009772:Obstetrical Forceps / Q000009:adverse effects*; D012189:Retrospective Studies