Obesity in children with brachial plexus birth palsy

J Pediatr Orthop B. 2015 Nov;24(6):541-5. doi: 10.1097/BPB.0000000000000208.

Abstract

Fetal macrosomia is associated with a 14-fold increased risk of brachial plexus birth palsy (BPBP), and is a predictor of childhood obesity. The purpose of this study was to identify the relationships between BPBP, fetal macrosomia, and childhood obesity. We retrospectively reviewed 214 children with BPBP. The average age was 8 years and 53% had a Narakas 1 grade BPBP. Overall, 49% of children were normal weight, 22% overweight, and 29% obese. Of the children with a history of fetal macrosomia, 41% were obese; a statistically significant difference. Overall quality of life scores, however, were not correlated with obesity.

Publication types

  • Multicenter Study

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Birth Injuries / complications*
  • Birth Injuries / rehabilitation
  • Brachial Plexus Neuropathies / complications*
  • Brachial Plexus Neuropathies / rehabilitation
  • Child
  • Child, Preschool
  • Disability Evaluation*
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Incidence
  • Male
  • Obesity / epidemiology
  • Obesity / etiology*
  • Retrospective Studies
  • United States / epidemiology
  • Young Adult