Obstetrical brachial plexus palsy (Pbopp): Epidemiological, therapeutic and evolutionary features of patients at the bouaké, university hospital, Ivory Coast

Introduction: obstetrical brachial plexus palsy is a relatively rare condition that has not disappeared although important progress has been made in obstetrics. The purpose of this study is to analyze the epidemiological, clinical, therapeutic and evolutionary features of this disorder in our context. Methods: we conducted a retrospective study of the medical records of newborns with obstetrical brachial plexus palsy treated at the Bouaké University Hospital over a period of two years. Children treated after the age of 3 months weren´t included. The variables studied were the epidemiological, therapeutic and evolutionary features. Results: the study included 60 patients, reflecting a rate of 28.5%. There were 31 (52%) girls. The average age of patients was 8 days (D0 and D35]. Multiparous mothers accounted for 94% of cases. Birth took place in a health center in 97% of cases. All children were born at term, 57 (95%) in cephalic presentation. Delivery was normal in 74% of cases. Average birthweight was 3604g [2150g and 4500g]. Forty seven cases (78%) had C5-C5-C6 palsies . Immobilization elbow off body associated with rehabilitation was performed in 51 children (85%). Rehabilitation was performed immediately in 9 children (15%). Functional recovery of the injured limb was complete in 50 children (83%) after a follow-up period of 6 months. Conclusion: obstetrical brachial plexus palsy is a current obstetric disorder. Conservative treatment, that is the only alternative in our context, gives good results.