Extended Sick Neonate Score (ESNS) for Clinical Assessment and Mortality Prediction in Sick Newborns referred to Tertiary Care

Abstract

To evaluate utility of a new Extended Sick Neonate Score (ESNS). to predict 'in-hospital mortality' and compare with Score for Neonatal Acute Physiology - Perinatal Extension II (SNAPPE II) and Sick Neonate Score (SNS). Prospective observational study. All extramural sick newborns transported to the neonatology unit of a tertiary care teaching hospital over a period of one year. Correlation between ESNS, SNAPPE-II and SNS scoring, and sensitivity/specificity of each score to predict mortality were determined. 961 newborns were enrolled in the study. ESNS, SNAPPE II and SNS were strongly correlated, even when stratified by gestation. ESNS of ≤11 had the best sensitivity (85.9%) and specificity (89.8%). For preterms, ESNS ≤12 had the best sensitivity (92.3%) and specificity (76.7%). ESNS can predict 'in-hospital mortality' outcome with satisfactory sensitivity and specificity.