Goodwin's high risk score and neonatal outcome: an evaluation

Goodwin's high risk scoring system was applied to a total of 725 expectant mothers at the onset of labor. The risk score ranges from 0-10, the quantum of risk increasing with the higher scores. Their newborns were assessed at birth in terms of Apgar score, birth weight, gestation age and occurrence of morbidity and/or mortality during the hospital stay. Twenty one were stillborn and out of 700 singleton liveborn, 92 developed some significant illness, of which 28 expired. The incidence of preterms, low birth weights and asphyxiated babies increased with increasing risk score. The mean risk score for alive and dead babies in perinatal period was 1.55 and 5.06, respectively. The scoring system can be easily applied at the District hospital level and CHCs but not at the level of dispensaries and PHC where the facilities for even the baseline investigations are not available and one has to decide about a home or hospital delivery.