RESTORATION OF PHRENIC NERVE ACTIVITY IN A PRE-TERM NEWBORN USING LASER THERAPY

Abstract

A girl delivered at 29 weeks gestation developed a left-sided pneumothorax which required chest drainage. Electrophysiological studies showed ipsilateral phrenic nerve injury and an ultrasound scan confirmed diaphragmatic paralysis. She was dependent on mechanical ventilation for 31 days. Laser therapy (HeNe, 35 mW) was applied transcutaneously for 45 minutes each day for 14 days to the left side of the neck at the site of the anatomical projection of the phrenic nerve. This resulted in restoration of phrenic nerve activity.