Publication:

Prenatal risk score in high risk pregnancy cases and perinatal outcome: a study from South India

Background Identification of a high risk pregnancy by Coopland score helps the obstetrician to identify patient at high risk and also elaborate a prognosis of pregnancy. The present study was conducted to evaluate perinatal outcomes in high and low risk pregnancies.

Methods In the present study of 100 cases of high risk caesarean section were evaluated and compared with 100 cases of low risk caesarean sections over a period of two years.

Results 40% and 28% of the high risk and low risk group respectively had low birth weight baby. In the high risk group, 2% had neonatal death, while these figures were 0% in the control group respectively. 28% babies in the study group and 18% babies in the control group had mild to severe depression and Apgar score below 6-4. 42% and 12% babies in the high risk and low risk group respectively had perinatal morbidity which was in the form of prematurity, IUGR, respiratory distress syndrome and birth asphyxia. 7% and 4% cases in both study and control group respectively had poor perinatal outcome.

Conclusions We suggest Coopland risk scoring for every case admitted for a caesarean section, which will be definitely helpful in predicting and evaluating the eventual perinatal outcomes. Appropriate timely care and referral can have a positive impact in lowering the perinatal mortality and morbidity and possibly better maternal outcome.