Unusual obstetric trauma in newborn

Abstract

Background: Birth injuries during delivery are rare but can be the most common cause of morbidity and mortality. All parts of the body can be damaged. The aim of this study is to determine the impact of these uncommon injuries on the newborn. This is a retrospective chart review of 11 newborn babies who had concurrent birth trauma. Pertinent data on the cause of injury treatment and the outcome were recorded. Methods: It is a retrospective chart review of newborns who sustained a birth trauma during delivery. These patients presented to the Department of Pediatric Surgery, SETIF, Algeria from 2010 to 2020. Results: A total of 11 cases with birth trauma occurred during delivery were managed during the study tenure. Of these 11, 9 were males and 2 females. Two cases sustained scalp laceration including one extensive laceration exposing the brain tissue with uncontrollable hemorrhage. One newborn sustained facial trauma secondary to the forceps delivery. One newborn who needed resuscitation and ventilation at birth developed bilateral pneumothorax secondary to the barotrauma. One patient sustained a femur fracture whereas another had a humerus fracture along with brachial plexus injury during delivery. Three cases had umbilical cord injury including two cases of clamped hernia of the umbilical cord resulting in neonatal intestinal obstruction. Two cases had scrotal trauma including one with testicular evisceration. Two cases were expired in this cohort. Conclusion: We have presented a diversity of birth trauma in newborns and their management. Proper antenatal follow-up and better planning for the delivery can avoid such injuries in newborns which often require surgical interventions for the management and at times can lead to mortality as well.