title: Neonatal brachial plexus palsy: obstetric factors associated with litigation.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  Our objective was to compare characteristics between neonatal brachial plexus palsy (NBPP) cases that were litigated versus those that were not.
  
  
  METHODS
  From May to December 2012, the University of Michigan Interdisciplinary Brachial Plexus Program surveyed 51 consecutive families whose children were treated for NBPP. Obstetric data was self-reported. Unless NBPP resolved, children were followed for at least two years. Student's t-test and Chi-square test with odds ratio and 95% confidence intervals were calculated.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Among 51 families surveyed, obstetric data were available for 98% (n = 50). Litigation was pursued by 48% (n = 24). Comparing families that litigated versus those that did not, there were no differences in demographics, peripartum characteristics, operative versus spontaneous vaginal birth, shoulder dystocia in current pregnancy (65% versus 54%; p = 0.56) or birth weight above 9 lbs. The number of children having brachial nerve surgery was significantly higher among families that litigated (46%) versus those that did not (8%; p = 0.002).
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Though there were no differences in peripartum events, almost 1 out of 2 children managed by interdisciplinary team had concomitant litigation. The only factor associated with litigation was having brachial nerve surgery. Efforts are warranted to avert NBPP and mitigate litigations.
authors: a Department of Obstetrics , Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences, University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, McGovern Medical School , Houston , TX , USA and.
authors: Suneet P
authors: SP
authors: Chauhan
authors: b Department of Neurosurgery and Brachial Plexus Program , University of Michigan , Ann Arbor , MI , USA.
authors: Kate W-C
authors: KW
authors: Chang
authors: a Department of Obstetrics , Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences, University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, McGovern Medical School , Houston , TX , USA and.
authors: Nana-Ama Esi
authors: NE
authors: Ankumah
authors: b Department of Neurosurgery and Brachial Plexus Program , University of Michigan , Ann Arbor , MI , USA.
authors: Lynda J-S
authors: LJ
authors: Yang
mesh_terms: D001720:Birth Injuries / Q000150:complications* / Q000453:epidemiology; D020516:Brachial Plexus Neuropathies / Q000151:congenital* / Q000453:epidemiology; D036861:Delivery, Obstetric / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence* / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D008824:Michigan / Q000453:epidemiology; D011247:Pregnancy; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D055815:Young Adult
keywords: Neonatal brachial plexus palsy; litigation; shoulder dystocia