Paresis of the left vocal cord after surgical treatment of patent ductus arteriosus in premature infants

Background: paresis of the left vocal cord is one of the most frequent complications in children undergoing surgery for patent ductus arteriosus in the newborn period. Paresis of the left vocal cord (PLVC) may remain undiagnosed and can lead to an increased risk of childhood diseases such as frequent respiratory disease, bronchopulmonary dysplasia, gastro-oesophageal reflux. The aim of our study was to determine the incidence of paresis of the left vocal cord after surgical treatment of patent ductus arteriosus (PDA) in premature infants with birth weight less than 1500 grams. Materials and Methods: The study included all premature infants who were operated on for a PDA in the neonatal period from January 1 to December 31, 2011 in St. Petersburg. Questioning on the phone was possible in 51 patients from 101 patients who has surgical treatment in this period of time. Children who are identified complaints typical of the left vocal cord paresis (impaired breathing, hoarseness, choking) were invited to inspect a specialist for direct fiber-optic laryngoscopy. Results: In 21 of the 51 children interviewed were identified PLVC symptoms, which accounted for 41,2% of all children in the group. Parents of 11 children with the complaint, agreed to undergo direct fiber-optic laryngoscopy. In the survey, we had confirmed the diagnosis PLVC posed on the basis of a telephone survey in 11 of 11 children, that is 100%. Conclusions: We recommend doing direct fiber-optic laryngoscopy in all premature babies after surgical treatment of the flow to the start of early diagnosis and treatment of PLVC. Parents should be informed about possible complications and consequences of the operation of this complication.