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Perinatal infections and neurodevelopmental outcome in very preterm and very low-birth-weight infants: a

Elvira O G van Vliet1, Jorrit F de Kieviet, Jaap Oosterlaan

  • 1Department of Pediatrics, VU University Medical Center, Amsterdam, The Netherlands.

JAMA Pediatrics
|May 22, 2013
PubMed

Insights

Perinatal infections negatively impact the mental and motor development of very preterm and very low-birth-weight infants. Specific infections like necrotizing enterocolitis and meningitis show the most significant detrimental effects.

Area of Science:

  • Neonatalogy
  • Developmental Pediatrics
  • Infectious Diseases

Background:

  • Perinatal infections are a significant concern for preterm and very low-birth-weight (VLBW) infants.
  • These infections may be linked to adverse neurodevelopmental outcomes.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To systematically review and meta-analyze studies on the impact of perinatal infections on neurodevelopmental outcomes in very preterm/VLBW infants.
  • To quantify the association between specific perinatal infections and developmental deficits.

Main Methods:

  • A comprehensive search of multiple databases (Medline, PsycINFO, Embase, Web of Knowledge) was conducted.
  • Inclusion criteria specified very preterm (≤32 weeks) and/or VLBW (≤1500 g) infants, comparison groups with and without infection, and neurodevelopmental assessment using Bayley Scales of Infant Development, 2nd edition.
  • Study quality was assessed using the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale.

Main Results:

  • The meta-analysis included 18 studies with data on 13,755 infants.
  • Perinatal infections were associated with poorer mental (d = -0.25) and motor (d = -0.37) development.
  • Necrotizing enterocolitis and meningitis showed the most significant negative effects on mental and motor development.

Conclusions:

  • Postnatal infections have detrimental effects on the neurodevelopment of very preterm/VLBW infants.
  • Early identification and management of infections are crucial for improving long-term outcomes.
Abstract

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