Surgical treatment of neonatal brachial plexus palsy: A cohort study using the Pediatric Health Information System (PHIS) database

Purpose: This study aims to explore demographic disparities, regional and institutional variations, surgical timing, narcotic use, and management trends in neonatal brachial plexus palsy (NBPP) patients due to limited published literature.

Methods: We conducted a retrospective cohort study using the Pediatric Health Information System (PHIS) database of NBPP patients who underwent surgery within the first 2 years of life. Patients were stratified into two groups based on age at surgery: ≤ 8 months and > 8 months.

Results: A total of 788 patients were identified, with a mean surgical age of 8.1 months. Black patients were disproportionately affected (29%), over twice their national birth rate (14%). Narcotic use was more common in younger patients (63% vs. 53%, p = 0.003), as well as in those treated in the West (71%, p = 0.001) and Northeast (73%, p = 0.004), and by plastic (74%, p < 0.0001) or orthopedic surgeons (69%, p = 0.002). Patients prescribed narcotics had longer hospital stays (1.7 vs. 1.2 days, p < 0.0001) and higher complication rates (7.9% vs. 3.1%, p = 0.009). Narcotic use decreased significantly over the study period (p = 0.002). Short-term outcomes, including complication and readmission rates, were similar across the three primary surgical specialties (plastic, orthopedic, and neurosurgery). High-volume centers had lower complication rates (1.5% vs. 5.4%, p = 0.002) and ICU admissions (5.8% vs. 18%, p < 0.0001) compared to medium-volume centers.

Conclusion: While narcotic use was associated with longer stays and complications, short-term outcomes were consistent across specialties. Standardized care protocols may help improve patient outcomes.