Relationship between the onset of facial palsy during pregnancy and the development of gestational complications

Abstract EN

Objectives: To asses the relationship between the onset of facial palsy during pregnancy and the increased incidence of gestational and foetal complications.

Methods: This is a retrospective study of thirty six female patients who presented with facial palsy during pregnancy or puerperium, and were identified by hospital records in the ENT and obstetric gynaecology clinics at King Hussein Medical Centre in Jordan over ten years period between January 1995 and January 2005.

Information were recorded about medical and obstetrical history, time of onset of facial palsy and associated maternal complications including gestational hypertension and pre-eclampsia, delivery mode, premature delivery and increased incidence of caesarean section as well as foetal complications such as low infant birth weight, congenital abnormalities and twin births.

Results: Over a period of 10 years, 36 pregnant women with facial palsy were seen in the ENT and obstetric gynaecology clinics at King Hussein Medical Centre.

The peak time of onset of facial palsy was in the 34th week of gestation.

Pre-eclampsia was diagnosed in nine pregnant women (25%), while gestational hypertension was diagnosed in three patients (8.3%).

The overall incidence of both pre-eclampsia and gestational hypertension was 33.3% (12 patients), which is six times more than in general population.

The incidence for caesarean section is 38.9% (14 patients), and 33.3% (12 patients) for induced vaginal delivery, 25% (nine patients) for preterm delivery, and 19.4% (seven neonates) for low birth weight (less than 2500g).

These rates were also higher than in general population.

It has been found that the incidence of congenital anomalies 2.7% (one baby) and twin births 5.6% (two twins) are within the general population rates.

Conclusion: Facial palsy in pregnancy is associated with gestational and foetal complications, particularly in the third trimester.

This information should be taken into consideration by all physicians involved in the counselling of these patients.

Further studies are advised to support the results of this study.