Qualitative Analysis of Neonatal Reflexes

TLDR: Cry response and moro reflex were found to have maximum consistency among various reflexes studied and those newborns with latency above and below the 95% confidence interval are recommended to have neurological and neurobehavioral assessment and follow up.

Abstract: Objective: To study the latency interval of neonatal reflexes and cry response in healthy term newborns and calculate normal values. Study Design: Prospective, observational study. Setting: Tertiary level teaching centre in India. Subjects: 91 healthy term newborns. Intervention: none Methods: Cry response, moro reflex, plantar reflex, plantar grasp, glabellar tap and galant reflex were elicited and video recording was done simultaneously. The investigator saw the recorded video and used a stop watch to calculate latency -the time delay between stimulation and onset of first sign of reflex response. Statistical analysis: Mean value of latency of each reflex was calculated and normal range was obtained by noting 95% confidence interval of mean . Coefficient of variance of each mean value was calculated . Principal outcome measured: 95% confidence interval of mean value of latency of cry response and other reflexes. Results: 95% confidence interval of mean values of latency of reflexes and responses were, cry latency 1.78 2.03sec, moro reflex 0.413-0.490 sec, plantar reflex 0. 58-0. 73 sec, plantar grasp 0.38-0.46 sec, glabellar tap 0.280.41 sec, galant reflex 0.62 0.81 sec. Mean values of cry latency and moro response had the lowest coefficient of variance. Conclusions: Cry response and moro reflex were found to have maximum consistency among various reflexes studied . Those newborns with latency above and below the 95% confidence interval are recommended to have neurological and neurobehavioral assessment and follow up.