A weighted risk index for antenatal prediction of perinatal outcome.
OBJECTIVE
The hypothesis is that a risk score derived from the risk index (RI) is correlated with perinatal outcomes.


METHODS
The RI is a weighted numerical score based on gestational risk factors applied to 782 gravidas antepartum. Management was independent of the score. Birth weight, Apgar scores, and cesarean birth were correlated with risk score.


RESULTS
The break point score in this non-Gaussian cohort was 6. Using 6, 80.2% were low and 19.8% high risk. Birth weight < 2500 gm was inversely correlated (p < .001) and occurred in 13% of the high risk ((3)6) and 4.9% of the low risk (< 6) group, relative risk (RR) 2.7. C-section correlated (p < .001), and occurred in 51% of the high and 23% of the low risk group, RR 2.4. risk score inversely correlated with 5 minute Apgar (RR 4.7 p < .002) but not the 1 minute Apgar score.


CONCLUSIONS
The RI identified gravidas at risk for low birth weight, low 5 minute Apgar score, and cesarean birth.
Gomez
Jorge L
JL
Division of Maternal-Fetal Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, New York University Medical Center, New York, USA.
Young
Bruce K
BK
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D001034:Apgar Score; D001724:Birth Weight; D002585:Cesarean Section / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D015331:Cohort Studies; D005260:Female; D005865:Gestational Age; D006801:Humans; D008875:Middle Aged; D011247:Pregnancy; D011256:Pregnancy Outcome; D011295:Prenatal Care; D011446:Prospective Studies; D018570:Risk Assessment / Q000379:methods*; D012307:Risk Factors