Post-transport TOPS score as a predictive marker of mortality among transported neonates and its comparative analysis with SNAP-II PE.

Aim: Multiple parameters are available to predict the outcome of critically sick neonates admitted in neonatal intensive care unit (NICU). Main aim of the study is to validate the role of TOPS, especially the post-transport TOPS score as a simplified assessment of neonatal acute physiology in predicting mortality among transported neonates admitted at level III NICU. Also, to compare the efficiency of post transport TOPS score with SNAP II PE in predicting mortality.

Methods: A prospective study carried out with 85 neonates transported from various primary health care centres to level III NICU. Physiological status of the neonates was assessed with the help of pre and post transport TOPS scores. Post-transport TOPS score was recorded immediately after the admission and SNAP II PE within 24 h of admission at level III NICU. Receiver operating characteristics analysis was performed to observe the mortality prediction efficiency of TOPS score and was compared with SNAP II PE.

Results: 64 neonates were died due to asphyxia and preterm birth (32%) related complications. Strong significant association with the mortality rate was found between the total post transport TOPS score (0.001) and SNAP II PE (0.003). The AUC, sensitivity and specificity of post transport TOPS score for a cut-off value ≤7 were 0.900, 87.5% and 80% and significant (<0.001) and for SNAP II PE for a cut-off value >12 were 0.913, 75.5% and 100% and is significant (<0.001).

Conclusion: TOPS score, especially the post transport TOPS score has an equally good prediction capacity of mortality similar like SNAP II PE among mobilised critically ill neonates. Hence, the TOPS score can be used as a simple and effective method to predict mortality risk among transported neonates immediately after admission at level III NICU.