title: Brachial plexus injury in vaginal delivery.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To study the incidence and persistence of brachial plexus injury (BPI) and the ability to predict its occurrence pre-natally depending on patients` criteria and antepartum-partum course.
  
  
  METHODS
  During a 3-year period from June 2001-June 2004 at Queen Alia Military Hospital, Royal Medical Services, Amman, Jordan, all newborns with BPI were identified (patients group) and followed-up for a one-year period. Obstetric details were compared with a control group who were delivered during the same period. Obstetrical neonatal features of both groups were compared.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Over the mentioned period, 30 cases of BPI were identified from a total 11560 deliveries (0.25%). Persistency for more than one year was present in 5 cases (17%). Both groups were compared regarding certain known maternal and intra-partum risk factors. Significant risk was history of having shoulder dystocia in previous and current pregnancy (p<0.05) and duration of labor (p<0.05).
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Brachial plexus impairment was encountered in the presence of normal course of labor and delivery. No predictable risk factors were found that could be avoided antenatally to prevent BPI.
authors.affiliation: Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, Queen Alia Military Hospital, Royal Medical Services, PO Box 962745, Amman 11196, Jordan. Tel. +962 777322701.  Fax. +962 65920311.  E-mail: jmaayah@hotmail.com.
authors.forename: Amal G
authors.initials: AG
authors.lastname: Shammas
authors.forename: Kifah M
authors.initials: KM
authors.lastname: Al-Qa'qa'