Background Phrenic nerve injury (PNI) from birth trauma is a recognized phenomenon,
generally occurring with ipsilateral brachial plexus palsy (BPP). In severe cases, PNI results
in diaphragm paresis (DP) and respiratory insufficiency. Surgical diaphragmatic plication
(SDP) is a potential management strategy for patients with PNI and DP, but timing and
outcomes associated with SDP have not been rigorously studied. Methods Records from 49
tertiary United States pediatric hospitals in the Pediatric Health Information System from …