Assessment of Risk in Newborns

Abstract

Data were collected on 776 newborns using a high risk register. The group consisted of 16 newborns with birthweight under 1500 grams, 121 with a family history of handicap, 82 who were the product of an adverse pregnancy history, 39 with congenital anomalies, and 61 with a gestational age of less then 37 weeks. Analysis of high risk characteristics revealed 261 primary risk incidents in the sample and 292 secondary risk factors. These accounted for 10.57 and 14.4 percent of the subjects, respectively. Possible drawbacks in the use of high-risk registers are discussed in light of procedures for follow-up of infants and other critical factors.