The score proposed by Dubowitz et al assesses an infant for the apparent gestational age by considering both neurologic and external signs of development.
Components:
(1) neurological signs: 10
(2) external signs: 12
Neurologic signs:
(1) posture
(2) square window sign at the wrist
(3) ankle dorsiflexion
(4) arm recoil
(5) leg recoil
(6) popliteal angle
(7) heel to ear
(8) scarf sign
(9) head lag
(10) ventral suspension
These are scored from 0 to 2, 3, 4 or 5.
External signs:
(1) edema
(2) skin texture
(3) skin color
(4) skin opacity
(5) lanugo
(6) plantar creases
(7) nipple formation
(8) breast size
(9) ear form
(10) ear firmness
(11) genitals, female
(12) genitals, male
Dubowitz score =
= SUM (points for each parameter)
Interpretation:
• minimum score: 0
• maximum score: 72 (neurological sign 35, external sign 37)
estimated gestational age =
= (0.2642 * (total score)) + 24.595
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