Abstract
A simple method for assessing maturity based on 8 external characteristics was previously described. Some new results with the use of this method were presented. The precision in estimating gestational age was sufficiently good. More than 95% of the infants were correctly estimated within .+-. 3 wk. Reducing the criteria to 7 and threby excluding the ophthalmoscopic examination did not signifcantly change precision of estimation. The examination based on external characteristics is a very simple and useful method for maturity assessment, even in sick newborn infants. Tables for transforming maturity score into gestational age were presented.