Neonatal Morbidity Scale

none

0

mild

1

moderate

2

serious or life-threatening

3

convulsions

none

0

on anticonvulsive therapy but no seizures

1

1-5 convulsions per day

2

frequent motor convulsions (> 6 per day)

3

hydrocephalus

none

0

hydrocephalus without increase in head circumference and good shunt function)

1

rapid increase in head size (> 2 cm per week or < 0.5 cm per day)

2

surgery with shunt inserted

3

head size rises >= 0.5 cm per day

3

intracranial hemorrhage

none

0

intracranial hemorrhage confirmed on CAT scan or ultrasound with some deterioration in condition

1

moderate intracranial hemorrhage with signs such as irritability and head retraction or with residual signs. Signs may also include decreased hemoglobin, deterioration in condition, or blood in CSF.

2

major intracranial hemorrhage and major symptoms (convulsions, apnea); hemorrhage confirmed by lumbar puncture, CAT scan or ultrasound

3

perinatal asphyxia

none

0

mild irritability or hypotonia, intubated at birth, but 5 minute Apgar > 5

1

neurological abnormalities (extensor hypertonus, transient myocardial  ischemia or moderate acute renal tubular necrosis)

2

cardiac arrest or prolonged attempt at resuscitation at birth or during transfer; severe neurological signs, apnea or frequent convulsions; 5 minute Apgar score < 5

3

diarrhea

none

0

diarrhea noted and treated by dietary restriction only

1

moderate dehydration requiring IV fluids

2

severe dehydration from diarrhea; loss of >= 10% body weight requiring rehydration

3

necrotizing enterocolitis

none

0

necrotizing diagnosis on initial X-ray, or blood in stools and patient put on total parenteral regimen; colostomy or ileostomy without problems

1

active necrosis with marked distention; X-ray changes confirming necrosis; concern about perforation; ostomy with problems in functioning

2

perforation or surgery

3

very poor condition

3

meningitis

none

0

meningitis well-controlled by antibiotics, with sterile CSF

1