neonatology

New Ballard Score — Gestational Age Assessment

Neuromuscular and physical maturity scoring system to estimate gestational age in neonates when dates are uncertain. Consists of 6 neuromuscular + 6 physical maturity criteria. Total score correlates to gestational age in weeks.

Posture*

Square window (wrist flexion angle)*

Arm recoil*

Popliteal angle (knee flexion)*

Scarf sign (elbow crossing midline)*

Heel to ear*

Skin texture*

Lanugo (fine hair covering body)*

Plantar surface (sole creases)*

Breast bud and areola*

Eye/ear (lids and ear cartilage)*

Genitalia maturity*

References

Ballard JL et al. New Ballard Score, expanded to include extremely premature infants. J Pediatr. 1991;119(3):417–423.

Curated clinical cross-links plus same-class fallbacks.

Drugs

Cisatracurium · Neuromuscular Blocking Agent (Non-Depolarising)
Atracurium · Non-Depolarising Neuromuscular Blocking Agent
Sugammadex · Selective Neuromuscular Blockade Reversal Agent
Suxamethonium (Anaesthesia/RSI) · Depolarising Neuromuscular Blocking Agent
Rocuronium (Anaesthesia/RSI) · Non-Depolarising Neuromuscular Blocking Agent
Vecuronium · Non-Depolarising Neuromuscular Blocking Agent

Decision support only — verify against MDCalc, NICE, or your local guideline before clinical use.

References

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