Accuracy of Gestational Age Estimation in Newborns using New Ballard Score – An Observational Study.

Abstract

Background:

The New Ballard Score is widely employed for estimating gestational age postnatally. This scoring system is a swift and dependable method for assessing gestational age. It evaluates physical and neuromuscular maturity through specified criteria at regular intervals. By scoring these criteria, the system extrapolates a total score to determine the infant's gestational age. The aim of this study is to assess the consistency between two observers in estimating gestational age using the New Ballard Score.

Materials and methods:

Our study included approximately 200 participants selected based on specific criteria using purposive sampling at our tertiary care hospital. All neonates born during the study period were eligible, except those requiring immediate resuscitation and life support (such as ventilation and inotropes) or those affected by perinatal asphyxia. Each newborn delivered in the hospital was assessed by two separate investigators. Information including history, last menstrual period, EDD by ultrasound, and other pertinent details were documented in the case records without disclosure to the investigators. Both investigators independently estimated the gestational age using the New Ballard Score. Subsequently, all data were recorded and analyzed for comparison.

Results:

The two investigators demonstrated substantial agreement, as indicated by an ICC ranging from 0.8523 to 0.9467. Additionally, Kappa Statistics revealed perfect agreement (kappa value = 0.952) between the two independent observers in assessing the gestational age of newborns using the New Ballard Score.

Conclusion:

The strong agreement between the two investigators in estimating gestational age using the New Ballard score, as indicated by the interclass correlation coefficient, confirms the accuracy of this method for estimating gestational age.