Setting: Department of Otolaryngology, Massachusetts Eye and Ear, Boston.
Synopsis: Long-term facial function outcomes in cases of PABP were compared against outcomes in cases affecting nonpregnant adult women of child-bearing age by a blinded expert using the electronic clinician-graded facial function (eFACE) scale facial grading system. Fifty-one pregnancy-associated cases and 58 non-pregnancy-associated cases were included. Among patients who received early corticosteroid therapy, significantly worse static, synkinesis, and composite facial function eFACE scores were demonstrated among cases of PABP compared with nonpregnancy-associated cases (static median = 86 vs. 92.5; synkinesis median = 79 vs. 86; composite median = 78 vs. 84). Among those not treated with corticosteroids, significantly worse dynamic and composite facial function eFACE scores were demonstrated in cases of PABP compared with those for nonpregnancy-associated cases (dynamic median = 74 vs. 92.5; composite median = 73 vs. 86.5). A trend toward improved outcomes was demonstrated within both groups for those treated with corticosteroids compared with those who were not.
Citation: Phillips KM, Heiser A, Gaudin R, Hadlock TA, Jowett N. Onset of Bell’s palsy in late pregnancy and early puerperium is associated with worse long-term outcomes. Laryngoscope. 2017;127:2854–2859.
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