Synthesis of Clinical Correlations and Implications of the Kurjak Antenatal Neurodevelopment Test (KANET)

Sanja Malinac Malojčić; Siniša  Šijanović; Rajko Fureš; Luka Bulić

doi:10.26332/0x3m4867

Authors

Sanja Malinac Malojčić Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics Zabok General Hospital and Croatian Veterans Hospital, Croatia Author
Siniša Šijanović Faculty of Medicine Osijek, Josip Juraj Strossmayer University of Osijek, Croatia; Osijek Clinical Hospital, Croatia Author
Rajko Fureš Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics Zabok General Hospital and Croatian Veterans Hospital, Croatia; Faculty of Dental Medicine and Health Osijek, Josip Juraj Strossmayer University of Osijek, Croatia Author
Luka Bulić School of Medicine, University of Zagreb, Croatia Author

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.26332/0x3m4867

Keywords:

ultrasonography, prenatal, pregnancy, high-risk, fetal development, fetal movement

Abstract

Objectives: The Kurjak Antenatal Neurodevelopmental Test (KANET) is a screening tool designed to identify fetuses at risk for neurodevelopmental disorders by assessing fetal motor and behavioral activity through 4D ultrasound. KANET differentiates between normal, borderline, and abnormal fetal behavior, but it cannot be used to diagnose any specific condition. The objective of this review is to synthesize current evidence on the clinical application of KANET and its effectiveness as a screening tool in assessment of fetal neurodevelopment.
Methods: A PubMed search identified 18 relevant studies that evaluated the application of KANET in different maternal risk groups. The studies were analyzed for significant differences in KANET scores between high-risk and low-risk pregnancies.
Results: KANET was effective in distinguishing between normal, borderline, and abnormal fetal behavior in high-risk pregnancies, including those complicated by diabetes, hypothyroidism, and abnormal placental flow. However, KANET is not a diagnostic test and cannot confirm the presence of specific neurological disorders in fetuses from high- and low-risk pregnancies.
Conclusion: KANET is a valuable screening tool for identifying fetuses at risk for neurodevelopmental problems, but further research is needed to refine its use. Importantly, it is not intended to be used as a standalone diagnostic tool for any specific condition.

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