The Association of the Neonatal Mortality Score and Clinical Outcomes in Newborns Delivered in a Tertiary Hospital in Cebu City, Philippines from December 2021 to July 2022

"The Association of the Neonatal Mortality Score and Clinical Outcomes in Newborns Delivered in a Tertiary Hospital in Cebu City, Philippines from December 2021 to July 2022" BackgroundSeveral neonatal scoring systems have been developed to predict illness severity and mortality risk. However, they are designed for high-income countries- using parameters that are not often measurable in some settings. The Neonatal Mortality Score was developed for resource-limited settings with the following parameters: level of consciousness, respiratory distress, gestational age, and birthweight. ObjectiveTo determine the association between the Neonatal Mortality Score and clinical outcomes among newborns Study design, setting and populationProspective cross-sectional study that included newborns delivered in a tertiary hospital in Cebu City, Philippines. MethodsThe mortality risk of neonates was assessed using the Neonatal Mortality Score. All were followed-up until discharge, and outcomes were recorded and analyzed. ResultsThere was an association between the Neonatal Mortality Score and clinical outcomes with an AUC of 0.989 [95% CI, 0.971-1.000]. Using a cut-off of 13.5, the overall sensitivity was 100%, specificity was 97.43%, positive predictive value was 18.18%, and negative predictive value was 100%. Among the parameters used, respiratory distress, and low birthweight showed an association with clinical outcomes. The admission disposition and length of stay also showed a significant association with Neonatal Mortality Scores. ConclusionThe Neonatal Mortality Score may be used in resource-limited settings to anticipate neonatal mortality, and predict admission disposition and length of stay, stratifying neonates with increased risk for death, thereby reducing early complications.