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Updated: May 9, 2026

A Neonatal Imaging Model of Gram-Negative Bacterial Sepsis
08:46

A Neonatal Imaging Model of Gram-Negative Bacterial Sepsis

Published on: August 12, 2020

Effect of probable neonatal sepsis on the development of infants in Eastern Uganda (ENON): a cohort study

David Mukunya1, Brendah Nambozo2, Daphine Amanya1

  • 1Department of Community and Public Health, Faculty of Health Sciences, Busitema University, Mbale, Tororo, Uganda.

BMJ Paediatrics Open
|May 7, 2026
PubMed

Insights

Neonatal sepsis in Uganda is linked to lower developmental scores in 2-year-olds. Early intervention and monitoring are crucial for improving outcomes in high-risk infants.

Area of Science:

  • Global child development
  • Neonatal health outcomes
  • Pediatric infectious diseases

Background:

  • Neonatal sepsis is a major cause of infant mortality globally, especially in resource-limited areas.
  • Long-term developmental impacts for survivors of neonatal sepsis are not well understood.
  • This study investigates the developmental trajectory of children exposed to neonatal sepsis in Uganda.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To assess the association between probable neonatal sepsis and developmental outcomes at 2 years of age.
  • To evaluate the impact of neonatal sepsis on early childhood development in a Ugandan cohort.
  • To inform strategies for follow-up and intervention for infants with neonatal sepsis.

Main Methods:

  • Utilized the WHO Global Scales for Early Development (GSED) Short and Long Forms for assessment.
  • Compared 100 infants with probable neonatal sepsis against 304 age-matched controls.
  • Employed linear regression and inverse probability of treatment weighting, adjusting for confounders.

Main Results:

  • Children with probable neonatal sepsis showed significantly lower GSED Z-scores for both parent-reported (Short Form) and directly observed (Long Form) development.
  • Adjusted mean difference in GSED Short Form Z-scores was -0.22 (95% CI -0.47 to -0.04).
  • Adjusted mean difference in GSED Long Form Z-scores was -0.33 (95% CI -0.60 to -0.05).

Conclusions:

  • Neonatal sepsis is associated with poorer developmental outcomes in resource-limited settings.
  • Effective follow-up, monitoring, and early intervention strategies are essential for infants with probable neonatal sepsis.
  • Further research is needed to optimize care for sepsis survivors in low-resource environments.
Abstract

Keywords:
Child HealthDeveloping Countries

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