Facial nerve palsy in neonates secondary to forceps use.

OBJECTIVE

To characterize the presentation, treatment, and outcome of neonates presenting with facial nerve palsy resulting from forceps use.

DESIGN

Retrospective medical chart review.

SETTING

Two tertiary care pediatric hospitals.

PATIENTS

Neonates with facial nerve palsy caused by forceps use born during the period of April 1, 1989, to April 1, 2005.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE

Resolution of facial nerve palsy.

RESULTS

Twenty-eight cases of facial nerve palsy caused by forceps use were identified. The palsy was classified as mild to moderate according to the House-Brackman scale. Except in 1 neonate, no treatment was initiated in any of the patients. All 21 neonates with adequate long-term follow-up recovered fully after an average period of 24 days.

CONCLUSION

Because facial nerve palsy caused by forceps use is generally mild and is associated with a favorable outcome, treatment with corticosteroids or surgery is generally not required.