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Updated: Jun 17, 2025
A Neonatal Imaging Model of Gram-Negative Bacterial Sepsis
Published on: August 12, 2020
Impact of neonatal sepsis on neurocognitive outcomes: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Wei Jie Ong1, Jun Jie Benjamin Seng2,3,4, Beijun Yap1
1MOH Holdings, Singapore, 1 Maritime Square, Singapore, 099253, Singapore.
Introduction:
Sepsis is associated with neurocognitive impairment among preterm neonates but less is known about term neonates with sepsis. This systematic review and meta-analysis aims to provide an update of neurocognitive outcomes including cognitive delay, visual impairment, auditory impairment, and cerebral palsy, among neonates with sepsis.
Methods:
We performed a systematic review of PubMed, Embase, CENTRAL and Web of Science for eligible studies published between January 2011 and March 2023. We included case-control, cohort studies and cross-sectional studies. Case reports and articles not in English language were excluded. Using the adjusted estimates, we performed random effects model meta-analysis to evaluate the risk of developing neurocognitive impairment among neonates with sepsis.
Results:
Of 7,909 studies, 24 studies (n = 121,645) were included. Majority of studies were conducted in the United States (n = 7, 29.2%), and all studies were performed among neonates. 17 (70.8%) studies provided follow-up till 30 months. Sepsis was associated with increased risk of cognitive delay [adjusted odds ratio, aOR 1.14 (95% CI: 1.01-1.28)], visual impairment [aOR 2.57 (95%CI: 1.14- 5.82)], hearing impairment [aOR 1.70 (95% CI: 1.02-2.81)] and cerebral palsy [aOR 2.48 (95% CI: 1.03-5.99)].
Conclusion:
Neonates surviving sepsis are at a higher risk of poorer neurodevelopment. Current evidence is limited by significant heterogeneity across studies, lack of data related to long-term neurodevelopmental outcomes and term infants.
