Role of point-of-care ultrasound in the management of congenital diaphragmatic palsy

Abstract

In newborns, brachial plexus injury is the most common peripheral nerve injury during the delivery. It may also lead to phrenic nerve injury causing diaphragmatic palsy. Conservative management remains the mainstay of treatment for congenital diaphragmatic palsies. Surgical plication is a potential management strategy for the persistent cases, but the timing and outcomes are not clear. Here, we present a case where diaphragmatic palsy was diagnosed and monitored using point-of-care ultrasound. The surgical intervention was avoided by serial monitoring of diaphragmatic excursion on ultrasound, which revealed improvement despite persistent requirement of respiratory support.