Validation of a clinical scale to assess abdominal status of preterm infants.

StudyPediatrics and neonatology· Jul 2026

Validation of a clinical scale to assess abdominal status of preterm infants.

Marie Colné, Emmanuelle Rochette, Léa Souchon … Justine Paysal

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NeonatologyStudyDiagnosisQ2IF 1.4

New ECAP scale shows excellent reliability for preterm infant abdominal assessment

Validation of a clinical scale to assess abdominal status of preterm infants.

Marie Colné … Justine Paysal

Pediatrics and neonatology · Jul 2026 · Q2 in Pediatrics

Background

Prematurity implies an immature digestive system, with a risk of serious digestive complications.

Purpose

To develop and validate a scale (ECAP scale: Evaluation Clinique de l'état Abdominal du Prématuré) to objectively assess the abdominal status of preterm infant.

Methods

In a prospective monocentric study, newborns between 24 and 37 weeks of gestational age were assessed by ECAP scale.

n = 120 newborns

Results

repeat exams agreed almost perfectly, near the top of the 0 to 1 scale

ICC 0.97 (95% CI 0.96 to 0.97)

CI excludes the null - significant

More results

Acceptability and content validity were good with full data completed and content validity of 0.83 [0.49; 1].

Cronbach's alpha coefficient was 0.73.

Internal and external structures were validated and sensitivity to change was significant.

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Conclusion · 1 of 2

This study proposes the first scale to assess the abdominal status of preterm infants, which is validated, reliable, as well as being quick and easy to use by the multidisciplinary team caring for preterms.

Conclusion · 2 of 2

This could be used to evaluate and monitor abdominal status of preterms, allowing rapid detection of digestive degradation.

Validation of a clinical scale to assess abdominal status of preterm infants.

Validation of a clinical scale to assess abdominal status of preterm infants.

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