comparative study between CAN score and Ponderal Index in identifying nutritional status of the neonate

Abstract

Introduction: Inadequate supply of nutrients to the fetus results in fetal malnutrition. As a result, the fetus fails to grow resulting in intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR). Though Small for Gestational Age (SGA) is used synonymously for IUGR but the later shows evidence of malnutrition. To detect fetal malnutrition various methods are being used currently. CAN is clinical method to detect the nutritional status through physical examination. Detection of fetal malnutrition by CAN score and comparing with other methods was the aim of this study. Materials and methods: This hospital based prospective study was carried on 200 neonates delivered in district government hospital, Koppal. Nutritional status assessment was done using CAN score and is compared with ponderal index and birth weight for gestational age. Results: Incidence of fetal malnutrition was 41.5% using CAN score. 10.5% small for gestational age neonates were well nourished and 7% appropriate for gestational age neonates were malnourished when detected through CAN score. 14% neonates showed malnutrition with PI<2.5 but when detected through CAN score it was 8%.Well-nourished neonates with PI>2.5 were 86% but after CAN score 33.5% showed malnutrition.