Abstract

ARMAZA C, Ada X et al.  Utility of the CANs SCORE for clinical assessment of the nutritional the new born status of. Gac Med Bol [online]. 2021, vol.44, n.1, pp.6-14. ISSN 1012-2966.

It is known that Fetal Malnutrition predisposes to greater perinatal morbidity and mortality, secondary to fetal distress, meconium aspiration, asphyxia, neonatal hypoglycemia and hyperviscosity syndrome. It is also associated, in the medium-long term, with a higher risk compared to the general population of presenting neurological or mental disorders (cognitive and learning disorders), endocrinological, metabolic and cardiovascular complications, so it would be convenient to identify these newborns with DF early in life to promote appropriate surveillance and intervention. Objective:to demonstrate the usefulness of the Neonatal Clinical Assessment using the CANs SCORE (Clinical Assessment of Nutritional Status), developed and published by Mettcoff in 1994.  Methods: a transversal pilot study was carried out from March to June 2018, in the second level Hospital "Cochabamba" , selecting 50 term neonates who had a positive score for malnutrition according to the Mettcoff scale. Complete anthropometric measurements and examinations of related laboratory parameters were performed. Comparisons of means and correlations were used to evaluate the data with Z-score values calculated using the Intergrowth -21st tool^a. Results: statistically significant differences were found between the basic anthropometric parameters as weight, height, head circumference evaluated. Furthermore, the evaluation using the Mettcoff scale allowed the detection of FETAL MALNUTRITION in newborns who are otherwise classified as having adequate weight for Gestational Age (AEG).  In the laboratory, the main findings were: decreased or increased concentrations of some of the biochemical parameters evaluated: the most striking findings being decreased serum albumin levels; also decreased calcium concentrations in 100% of the studied population and a systematic elevation of creatinine values in most of 90% of cases.  Conclusions:  the CANs score is a useful, simple and easy-to-apply clinical tool that allows the degree of malnutrition in Newborns to be identified with greater precision and it could be statistically validated in larger series and systematic studies.

Keywords : CANs SCORE; Nutritional disorders in the fetus; Nutritional Assessment; Perinatal Care; Fetal Growth Retardation.

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