Vogt H, Haneberg B, Finne P H, Stensberg A
Acta Paediatr Scand. 1981 Sep;70(5):669-72. doi: 10.1111/j.1651-2227.1981.tb05765.x.
The scoring systems of Dubowitz et al. and Parkin et al. were evaluated in two selected materials of newborn infants referred to a neonatal unit. Our estimation of gestational age by Dubowitz scores tended to be too high for the extreme prematures. "Small-for-dates" were also overestimated, whilst "appropriate-for-dates" and infants with respiratory difficulties were underestimated. "Large-for-dates" fell close to the standard curve. Ninety-five per cent confidence limits were up to +/- 5 weeks for Dubowitz scores and nearly +/- 6 weeks for Parkin scores. Further statistical analysis displayed some limitations in the use of linear regression formulas for scoring systems based on external and/or neurological characteristics. Thus, the results obtained with these methods must be used with caution in some selected newborn materials.
