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Published on: November 20, 2015
Developmental impacts of perinatal infections
Sarah B Mulkey1,2,3
1Zickler Family Prenatal Pediatrics Institute, Children's National Hospital.
Insights
Perinatal infections like congenital cytomegalovirus, Zika virus, and SARS-CoV-2 can negatively impact child neurodevelopment, increasing risks for delays and autism spectrum disorder. Close neurodevelopmental follow-up is crucial for all infants with such infections.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric infectious diseases
- Neurodevelopmental disorders
- Public health
Background:
- Perinatal infections are increasingly recognized for their potential long-term effects on child neurodevelopment.
- Recent research highlights specific viruses, including congenital cytomegalovirus, Zika virus, Chikungunya, and SARS-CoV-2, with documented neurodevelopmental impacts.
- Understanding these impacts is critical for early intervention and improved child outcomes.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review current knowledge on the neurodevelopmental consequences of specific perinatal infections.
- To synthesize findings related to congenital cytomegalovirus, Zika virus, Chikungunya, and SARS-CoV-2.
- To emphasize the importance of ongoing neurodevelopmental surveillance.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of recent publications on perinatal infections and neurodevelopment.
- Analysis of studies investigating neurodevelopmental outcomes in children exposed to specific pathogens.
- Synthesis of data on developmental delays, autism spectrum disorder, and cognitive performance.
Main Results:
- Congenital cytomegalovirus infection, particularly symptomatic cases, is linked to developmental delays and increased risk of autism spectrum disorder.
- Prenatal exposure to SARS-CoV-2 may be a risk factor for developmental delay, necessitating close monitoring.
- Congenital Zika virus exposure is associated with neurodevelopmental sequelae and increased mortality, even in normocephalic infants.
Conclusions:
- Perinatal and congenital infections significantly elevate the risk of impaired neurodevelopment in children.
- Comprehensive and close neurodevelopmental follow-up throughout childhood is essential for all infants affected by perinatal infections.
Purpose Of Review:
Perinatal infections and their potential consequences on child neurodevelopment have become a topic of greater interest over the past decade. The purpose of this review is to describe the current knowledge of neurodevelopmental impacts from some of these infections including congenital cytomegalovirus, Zika virus, Chikungunya, and severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2. These infections have had recent publications about neurodevelopmental impacts.
Recent Findings:
Children with congenital cytomegalovirus infection, especially those with symptomatic infection, are at a high risk for developmental delays. They also seem to be at an increased risk for autism spectrum disorder. Studies indicate that prenatal exposure to severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 may also be a risk factor for developmental delay and that all children exposed prenatally should be followed more closely for early neurodevelopment. Children with congenital Zika syndrome and birth defects are at risk for a range of neurodevelopmental sequalae and at high risk for early mortality. However, normocephalic children with antenatal Zika virus exposure are also at risk for a range of neurodevelopmental effects including lower cognitive performance at school age.
Summary:
Congenital and perinatal infectious exposures increase the risk for impaired child neurodevelopment. All children with perinatal infections should have close neurodevelopmental follow-up during childhood.
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