Application of the neonatal neurobehavioral examination described by Morgan and cols. to low risk term neonates

Abstract

Introduction: there are several standardized instruments for identifying children at risk and many of them are used in studies to verify their efficacy, predictive value, or in clinical practice within follow-up programs. Developmental tests and scales facilitate and aid both screening and diagnosis as well as treatment planning and progression if any abnormali­ties are detected. Through a bibliographical research, it was observed that the neonatal neurobehavioral examination (NNE) developed by Morgan et al. Is an appropriate tool to detect deficiencies early in development. Objective: this study aimed to apply the NNE described by Morgan, to healthy term neonates and comparison to the original stu­dy. Methods: ninety-six healthy term newborns participated in the study, median gesta­tional age 39 weeks and birth weight 3.320 grams, 59% male gender. These infants were evaluated by a physical therapist who applied the NNE (sections A, B and C) in the morning. Results: the total score obtained in the present study was similar to the original study in all sections. It was also found that higher scores were related to higher birth and gestatio­nal ages. Conclusions: the NNE was easily applied and the results of the original study may be reproduced. This suggests that this exam be applied to healthy term newborns in order to detect possible development disorders.