During the first hours after birth there is respiratory difficulty, often tachypnea, increasing oxygen need, hypercarbia, atelectasis, and mediastinal shift. During the following few days there may be improvement or stabilization of the respiratory status. Over days to weeks in severe cases there may be deterioration provoked by atelectasis or infection. Ultrasound of the chest. Fluoroscopy of the chest, the most definitive study.
Management Carefully follow respiratory status.
Neurology of the Newborn . Long-term prognosis for the infant with severe birth trauma. Michelow BJ, et al. The natural history of obstetrical brachial plexus palsy. Surgical management of brachial plexus injuries.