Assessment of Fetal Malnutrition By CAN Score

Abstract

Fetal malnutrition is the major cause of neonatal morbidity and mortality, so early detection is essential to salvage the life of the newborns. Aims and objectives: To assess the nutritional status of live, single, full term neonates by CAN SCORE. Materials and methods: Prospective Study carried out from July 2008 to September 2010. Total 1400 consecutive, live, single, full term neonates delivered during this period were studied. A pre designed proforma was applied to all. Results: According to CAN SCORE, 519 (37.1%) subjects were diagnosed as malnourished as compared to Lubchenco (23%). On the other hand Ponderal Index diagnosed 40.8% as malnourished, out of which only 297 (52%) were malnourished by CAN SCORE. Of remaining 829 babies diagnosed as well nourished by Ponderal Index, 222(26.8%) were malnourished by CAN SCORE. Conclusion: CAN SCORE is a practical, simple method to diagnose fetal (neonatal) malnutrition.