Study On Nutritional Status Of Neonate Using Can Score In Determining Intrauterine Growth And Its Comparison With Other Methods In Identifying Fetal Malnutrition

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Sudhakara Babu Chelli1, Govindarajan Sumathy, Surekha S M, Elumalai Prithiviraj

Abstract

An inadequate supply of nutrients to the foetus results in foetal malnutrition. As a result, the foetus fails to grow, resulting in intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR). Though Small for Gestational Age (SGA) is used synonymously with IUGR, the latter shows evidence of malnutrition. To detect foetal malnutrition, various methods are being used currently. CAN is a clinical method for detecting nutritional status through physical examination. The detection of foetal malnutrition by CAN score and comparing it with other methods was the aim of this study. Materials and methods: This hospital-based prospective study was carried out on 200 neonates delivered in the district government hospital, Koppal. Nutritional status assessment was done using the CAN score and was compared with ponderal index and birth weight for gestational age. Results: The incidence of foetal malnutrition was 41.5% using the CAN score. When measured using the CAN score, 10.5% of small for gestational age neonates were well nourished and 7% of appropriate for gestational age neonates were malnourished.14% of 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. When compared with the CAN score, PI had 19.27% sensitivity and 89.74% specificity, while birth weight for gestational age had 83.13% sensitivity and 82.05% specificity. Conclusion: The CAN score is the best method for detecting foetal malnutrition without the use of any instrument. It can detect malnutrition which is missed by other commonly used methods.

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