Phrenic nerve palsy is a rare and mortal obstetric complication, and generally occurs with brachial plexus injury. Treatment options include surgical and conservative approach but there is no clear consensus yet. In this case, a Nigerian male baby with unilateral phrenic nerve palsy after traumatic delivery is presented. The patient had concomitant brachial plexus palsy on the right side. Cyanosis and respiratory distress developed following the birth. The patient was diagnosed with phrenic nerve palsy using chest x-ray and ultrasonography imaging. Non-surgical resolution was achieved and he was discharged after complete recovery. Phrenic nerve palsy is a rare cause of respiratory distress in newborns. It is often accompanied by brachial plexus palsy. The possibility of spontaneous recovery should be kept in mind before surgical options.
Key words: Respiratory paralysis, phrenic nerve, newborn, obstetric labor complications
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