TITLE:
Birth Injuries in Neonates at a University Teaching Hospital in Cameroon: Epidemiological, Clinical and Therapeutic Aspects
AUTHORS:
E. M. Mah, P. Foumane, D. H. Ngwanou, S. Nguefack, A. Chiabi, J. S. Dobit, H. Siyou, J. B. Bogne, E. Mbonda, Fru Angwafo III
KEYWORDS:
Birth Injury, Newborn, Yaoundé
JOURNAL NAME:
Open Journal of Pediatrics,
Vol.7 No.1,
March
30,
2017
ABSTRACT: Background: Statistics on birth injuries in Cameroon are scarce, despite its frequency in postnatal consultations; we sort to find its prevalence and contributing factors, the different clinical presentations and treatment methods. Methodology: This was a retrospective, descriptive study. Data on maternal characteristics, neonatal factors, the place of birth and qualification of birth attendant, age at diagnosis, clinical presentation and management were considered. Results: Among the 14,284 newborns that were consulted from January 2003 to February 2014, 263 (1.84%) had birth injuries. The average age at diagnosis was 12 days. The contributing factors were: advanced maternal age, macrosomia, vaginal and instrumental delivery. Birth attendants were mostly nurses and the health center was the place of birth for 57.4% of patients. The main clinical presentations were: obstetric brachial plexus palsy (70.6%), fracture of the clavicle (22.5%) and fracture of the humerus (4.80%). Physiotherapy and orthopedic treatment were methods used with favorable outcome. Conclusion: The frequency of birth injury is relatively high in our context. The diagnosis is late, birth attendants need to be trained and systematic examination of all newborns in delivery room encouraged.