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Development of cystic periventricular leukomalacia in newborn infants after rotavirus infection

Malgorzata A Verboon-Maciolek1, Anita C Truttmann, Floris Groenendaal

  • 1Department of Neonatology, University Medical Center, Utrecht, The Netherlands.

The Journal of Pediatrics
|October 11, 2011
PubMed

Insights

Neonatal rotavirus infection can cause seizures and brain injury like cystic periventricular leukomalacia in infants. While preterm infants faced neurodevelopmental delays, term infants showed normal early outcomes.

Area of Science:

  • Neonatal neurology
  • Pediatric infectious diseases
  • Viral infections in neonates

Background:

  • Rotavirus is a common cause of gastroenteritis in infants.
  • Neonatal seizures require prompt diagnosis and management.
  • Cystic periventricular leukomalacia (PVL) is a significant risk factor for neurodevelopmental impairment.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the neurological complications of rotavirus infection in neonates.
  • To assess the association between rotavirus infection and cystic periventricular leukomalacia (PVL).
  • To evaluate the neurodevelopmental outcomes in infants with neonatal rotavirus infection.

Main Methods:

  • Case series describing 8 infants (5 preterm, 3 term) presenting with seizures within 6 weeks of birth.
  • Clinical presentation and diagnostic findings related to rotavirus infection.
  • Neuroimaging (MRI/ultrasound) to identify cystic periventricular leukomalacia (PVL).
  • Neurodevelopmental assessment in early follow-up.

Main Results:

  • Seizures occurred during rotavirus infection in all 8 neonates.
  • Late-onset cystic periventricular leukomalacia (PVL) developed in 6 infants.
  • Four preterm infants experienced neurodevelopmental delay.
  • Four (near) term infants had normal early neurodevelopmental outcomes.

Conclusions:

  • Rotavirus infection in neonates can be associated with significant neurological sequelae, including seizures and PVL.
  • Preterm infants appear more vulnerable to adverse neurodevelopmental outcomes following neonatal rotavirus infection.
  • Term infants may have a better early prognosis, but long-term follow-up is essential.

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