[Idiopathic facial palsy during pregnancy].
BACKGROUND
Idiopathic facial (Bell's) palsy occurring during pregnancy or post partum is a rare disease. Reports regarding incidence, prognosis and associated risk factors are still inconsistent.


METHODS
We performed a retrospective analysis of patients presenting with idiopathic facial palsy who had been treated in cooperation between obstetric and otorhinolaryngological departments (tertiary referral centers). The time of onset of paralysis, grading according to House and Brackman, treatment modalities and results were analyzed for the years 1999-2010.


RESULTS
The incidence of Bell's palsy in pregnancy was 56 in 100,000 live births. Preeclampsia was reported in one case only. Therapy included prednisolone, methylprednisolone and/or pentoxifylline (up to 2005). All results were favorable (House-Brackman 1-2).


CONCLUSIONS
The incidence of Bell's palsy in pregnancy within our cohort is not increased with regard to the international reports. Early treatment with corticosteroids in consultation with the treating obstetrician is indicated in both pregnant and post-partum patients to achieve optimal results.
Universitäts-Frauenklinik, Universität Freiburg, Freiburg.
M
M
Kunze
S
S
Arndt
A
A
Zimmer
M
M
Földi
A
A
Hanjalic-Beck
M
M
Echternach
R
R
Birkenhäger
A
A
Aschendorff
D000305:Adrenal Cortex Hormones / Q000627:therapeutic use; D001921:Brain / Q000473:pathology; D003299:Cooperative Behavior; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D004673:Encephalomyelitis, Acute Disseminated / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000473:pathology; D005158:Facial Paralysis / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000209:etiology; D005260:Female; D005858:Germany; D005865:Gestational Age; D006801:Humans; D015994:Incidence; D033183:Interdisciplinary Communication; D008279:Magnetic Resonance Imaging; D009460:Neurologic Examination; D011225:Pre-Eclampsia / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000209:etiology; D011247:Pregnancy; D011248:Pregnancy Complications / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000209:etiology; D018566:Pregnancy, High-Risk; D011379:Prognosis; D011644:Puerperal Disorders / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000209:etiology; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D012307:Risk Factors
D000305:Adrenal Cortex Hormones