KANET in Brazil: First experience

Abstract

Objective: The goal of this pilot test is to compare Kurjak’s antenatal neurological test (KANET) results between high and low-risk pregnancies and see the feasibility of using this test on a larger scale in Brazil. Methods: We applied KANET test in high-risk (n = 17) and low-risk (n = 34) pregnancies and compared the results. Results: There was a significant difference between groups of high-risk and low-risk pregnancies for all parameters in KANET score 2. For KANET score 0, 5 out of 8 parameters where significant different: isolated head anteflexion, cranial sutures and head circumference, isolated hand movement or hand to face movements, isolated leg movement and fingers movements. All abnormal KANET result came from high-risk pregnancies (17.6%). No low-risk pregnancies presented KANET score 0. Efficacy and effectiveness were not evaluated due to the imprecision inherent in data from small samples. Conclusion: This successful preliminary study of KANET in Brazil showed important differences in fetal behavior between the low and high-risk pregnancies, and can be used as information of feasibility and identify modifications needed in the design of a larger testing study.