BACKGROUND: Symptoms of a neonatal brachial plexus palsy (NBPP) can
vary widely among individuals and numerous clinical studies have been
performed to identify the natural history and to improve treatment. The aim
of this study was to identify and describe all outcome measures used in
clinical studies on patients with an NBPP and categorize these outcome
measures according to the International Classification of Functioning,
Disability and Health (ICF).
METHOD: Electronic searches of different databases were carried
out. All clinical studies describing one or more outcomes of NBPP were
selected. Data on outcome measures was systematically extracted and the
contents were analyzed and linked to the ICF.
RESULTS: A total of 217 full texts were selected and 59 different
outcome measures were identified. The 5 most frequently used outcome
measures included range of motion of the shoulder (n= 166 studies, 76%),
range of motion of the elbow (n= 87 studies, 40%), the Mallet scale
(n= 66 studies, 30%), Magnetic Resonance Imaging (n= 37 studies,
17%) and the Medical Research Council motor grading scale (n= 31
studies, 14%). Assessments related to Body functions and Structures
were most frequent, whereas assessments associated with Activities and
Participation and Environmental Factors were relatively uncommon.
CONCLUSION: There was a high variability among the outcome measures
used, with measures within the ICF component Body Functions being most
common. These results underscore the need for the development and usage of
outcome measures representing all domains of health status in patients with
NBPP.
