CANSCORE- IMPORTANT INDEX FOR DETECTION OF FETAL MALNUTRITION AT BIRTH

Abstract

Introduction: Malnutrition refers to the situation where there is an unbalanced diet in which some nutrients are in excess, lacking or wrong proportion. Simply put, we can categorise it to be under-nutrition and over-nutrition. Despite India's 50% increase in GDP since 1991,³ more than one third of the world's malnourished children live in India. The present study was conducted to assess utility of CANSCORE and it compared with other commonly used measures for defining the nutritional status at birth.

Methodology: The current study was conducted by the department of Paediatrics, S.M.S. Medical College, Jaipur. All neonates delivered at Mahila and Zenana Hospital, S.M.S. Medical College, Jaipur. All neonates delivered at the hospital and fulfilling inclusion criteria during one year period were included in the study. Different indices to measure nutritional status of newborns like Birth weight to Gestational Age, Ponderal Index, Mid Arm Circumference/ Head Circumference Ratio and CANSCORE were calculated. Clinical Assessment of Nutrition Score (CANSCORE)-  is done within 48 hours on the basis of superficial readily detectable signs of malnutrition in the newborn as described by Metcoff.

Results: According to Birth weight to Gestational Age criteria, 116 (23.2%) newborns were malnourished (Small for Gestational Age). According to Ponderal Index, 120 (24%) newborns were malnourished (PI < 2.2). According to Mid Arm Circumference/ Head Circumference Ratio criteria, 205 (41%) newborns were malnourished (MAC/HC < 0.27). According to CANSCORE, 177 (35.4%) newborns were malnourished (CANSCORE < 25). It was observed that out of total 116 newborns diagnosed with malnutrition by Birth weight to Gestational Age index, only 81 (69.8%) were also diagnosed with malnutrition by CANSCORE. Out of total 120 newborns diagnosed with malnutrition by Ponderal index, only 73 (60.8%) were also diagnosed with malnutrition by CANSCORE. Out of total 205 newborns diagnosed with malnutrition by Mid Arm Circumference/ Head Circumference Ratio index, only 127 (61.9%) were also diagnosed with malnutrition by CANSCORE.