Living-donor nerve transplantation for global obstetric brachial plexus palsy

J Reconstr Microsurg. 2006 May;22(4):245-54. doi: 10.1055/s-2006-939929.

Abstract

The first reported case of live-donor nerve transplantation is presented, performed in an 8-month-old infant with global obstetric brachial plexus palsy (OBPP) and four root avulsions who had undergone prior sural nerve autografting at 3 months. Cross-chest C7 nerve transfer and temporary tacrolimus/prednisone immunosuppression were utilized. Acute rejection was prevented, with no observable complications from the immunosuppressive medications, ipsilateral deficits resulting from the use of the contralateral C7 root as a donor nerve, or untoward effects on growth and development occurring over a 2-year follow-up period. Although some return of sensory and motor responses on nerve conduction studies was documented, the failure to observe a clinically significant functional improvement in the affected limb directly attributable to the transplant may have been due to performing the procedure too late and/or inadequate follow-up. Results of additional cases performed earlier than in this patient with longer follow-up will need to be evaluated to determine whether the procedure proves to be a viable therapeutic option for treatment of global OBPP with four or five root avulsions.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Axilla / innervation
  • Brachial Plexus / physiopathology
  • Brachial Plexus / surgery*
  • Brachial Plexus Neuropathies / surgery*
  • Electromyography
  • Female
  • Follow-Up Studies
  • Humans
  • Immunosuppressive Agents / therapeutic use
  • Infant
  • Living Donors*
  • Male
  • Motor Neurons / physiology
  • Nerve Transfer
  • Neural Conduction / physiology
  • Paralysis, Obstetric / surgery*
  • Radial Nerve / physiopathology
  • Reaction Time / physiology
  • Sensation / physiology
  • Spinal Nerve Roots / injuries
  • Sural Nerve / transplantation*
  • Ulnar Nerve / physiopathology

Substances

  • Immunosuppressive Agents