Combining the two neonatal examinations

BMJ 1999;319:53 ( 3 July )

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Combining the two neonatal examinations

In primary care, second examination is useful

Midwives perform a neonatal examination, so was this counted?

Authors' reply

In primary care, second examination is useful

The first 150 words of the full text of this article appear below.

EDITOR $---$ The paper by Glazener et al defines neonatal screening in narrow terms.¹ In primary care the second neonatal examinationis usually performed about 6 weeks after birth. The main purposeof this check is not just screening for medical conditions suchas hip and heart anomalies. It is also a good opportunity to screenfor postnatal depression; Hearn et al found the incidence of thisto be 15% when they used the Edinburgh depression score in primarycare.²

The six week check also provides an excellent insight into the way that the mother interacts with her baby as well as providingan excellent opportunity to give advice about vaccinations andprevention of cot death andaccidents.

Chris Harnden, General practitioner.
Prescott Surgery, Baschurch, Shropshire SY4 2EU char992120@aol.com

1.	Glazener CMA, Ramsay CR, Campbell MK, Booth P, Duffty P, Lloyd DJ, et al. Neonatal examination and screening trial (NEST): a randomised, controlled, switchback trial of alternative policies for low risk infants. BMJ 1999; 318: 627-631[Abstract/Free Full Text]. (6 March.)
2.	Hearn G, Iliff A, Kirby A, Ormiston P, Parr P, Rout J, et al. Postnatal depression in the community. Br J Gen Pract 1998; 48: 1064-1066[Medline].

Midwives perform a neonatal examination, so was this counted?

EDITOR $---$ Glazener et al described a study of two or one neonatal examinations done by medical staff.¹ In our hospital allnewborn babies are examined by the midwife soon after birth for. . . [Full text of this article]

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Neonatal examination and screening trial (NEST): a randomised, controlled, switchback trial of alternative policies for low risk infants • Commentary: "Switchback" allocation $---$ dangerous bends ahead!: Cathryn M A Glazener, Craig R Ramsay, Marion K Campbell, Philip Booth, Paul Duffty, David J Lloyd, Alison McDonald, J Anne Reid, and Jonathan J Deeks
BMJ 1999 318: 627-632. [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]