The Prognostic Value of Concurrent Horner Syndrome in Extended Erb Obstetric Brachial Plexus Palsy

Horner syndrome may be seen in infants with extended Erb obstetric brachial plexus palsy. However, its prognostic value in these infants has not been previously investigated. A total of 220 infants with extended Erb palsy were included and divided into 2 groups: group I (n = 209) were infants with extended Erb palsy without Horner syndrome, and group II (n = 11) were infants with extended Erb palsy and concurrent Horner syndrome. The rate of good spontaneous recovery of elbow flexion was 59% in group I and 27% in group II, and the difference was significant (P = .038). The rate of good spontaneous recovery of wrist extension was 61% in group I and 0% in group II, and the difference as highly significant (P < .0001). Concurrent Horner syndrome in infants with extended Erb palsy may be considered as a poor prognostic sign for recovery of the sixth and seventh cervical roots.