title: [Left vocal cord paralysis after patent ductus arteriosus surgery].
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Patent ductus arteriosus (PDA) is a common problem in preterm newborns. Left vocal cord paralysis (LVCP) can complicate surgical closure if the recurrent nerve is damaged.
  
  
  METHODS
  A retrospective case series study was conducted on preterm babies diagnosed with PDA in our unit from 1999 to 2013. Their clinical features and treatment complications were reviewed. In those patients that received surgical treatment a telephone questionnaire on the symptoms of LVCP symptoms was completed, and laryncoscopy examination offered.
  
  
  RESULTS
  A total of 88 subjects diagnosed with PDA were found, of whom 13.64% (12/88) needed surgery. These patients had a lower gestational age and birth weight. They required mechanical ventilation more frequently, and they had more complications such as, diaphragmatic paralysis, bronchopulmonary dysplasia and intraventricular hemorrhage. One third (3/9) of the surgically treated patients had LVCP, and all of them had dysphonia (100% vs. 16.7%, p=.05).
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  LVCP is a common complication of PDA surgery. Further studies are needed to determine its risk factors and its short and long-term consequences.
authors.affiliation: Servicio de Neonatología, Hospital Clínico Universitario, Santiago de Compostela, España. Electronic address: lopezsousa@gmail.com.
authors.forename: M
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: López Sousa
authors.affiliation: Servicio de Neonatología, Hospital Clínico Universitario, Santiago de Compostela, España.
authors.forename: A
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Pérez Feal
authors.affiliation: Servicio de Otorrinolaringología, Hospital Clínico Universitario, Santiago de Compostela, España.
authors.forename: A
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Soto
authors.affiliation: Servicio de Neonatología, Hospital Clínico Universitario, Santiago de Compostela, España.
authors.forename: J M
authors.initials: JM
authors.lastname: Fraga
authors.affiliation: Servicio de Neonatología, Hospital Clínico Universitario, Santiago de Compostela, España.
authors.forename: M L
authors.initials: ML
authors.lastname: Couce
mesh_terms: D006348:Cardiac Surgical Procedures / Q000009:adverse effects*; D004374:Ductus Arteriosus, Patent / Q000601:surgery*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D007234:Infant, Premature; D007235:Infant, Premature, Diseases / Q000209:etiology*; D008297:Male; D011183:Postoperative Complications / Q000209:etiology*; D061226:Recurrent Laryngeal Nerve Injuries / Q000150:complications / Q000209:etiology*; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D014826:Vocal Cord Paralysis / Q000209:etiology*
keywords: Ductus arterioso persistente; Parálisis cuerda vocal; Patent ductus arteriosus; Prematuros; Preterm; Vocal cord paralysis