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The role of STORCH infections in shaping neurodevelopment: a longitudinal case-control study in preterm children

Luana Marques1, Alessandra Bombarda Muller2, Carolina Panceri1,3

  • 1School of Physical Education, Physical Theraphy and Dance, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul (UFRGS), Porto Alegre, Brazil.

BMC Pediatrics
|June 21, 2026
PubMed

Insights

Congenital STORCH infections negatively impact preterm children's neurodevelopment, particularly cognitive and language skills. Early prevention is vital to mitigate adverse developmental outcomes in these vulnerable infants.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Neurology
  • Infectious Diseases
  • Developmental Psychology

Background:

  • Congenital infections can impact neurodevelopment, often without maternal symptoms.
  • Preterm infants are particularly vulnerable to neurodevelopmental challenges.
  • STORCH infections (Syphilis, Toxoplasmosis, Other infections, Rubella, Cytomegalovirus, Herpes) are a significant concern.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To analyze neurodevelopmental outcomes in preterm children with and without congenital STORCH infections.
  • To identify risk factors associated with neurodevelopmental outcomes in these groups.
  • To compare cognitive, language, and motor development between preterm infants with and without STORCH infections.

Main Methods:

  • A retrospective case-control study involving 248 preterm children.
  • Longitudinal assessment of neurodevelopmental outcomes.
  • Statistical analysis to identify risk factors (APGAR, NICU stay, family income, etc.).

Main Results:

  • Preterm children with STORCH infections exhibited lower cognitive and language scores compared to controls.
  • The STORCH group showed a cognitive decline from 6 to 18 months but improved motor scores from 6 to 24 months.
  • Identified risk factors for neurodevelopmental issues in the STORCH group included APGAR scores, NICU seizures/stay, family income, sepsis, and twin birth.

Conclusions:

  • Congenital STORCH infections are associated with poorer cognitive and language development in preterm children.
  • Specific factors like APGAR, NICU environment, socioeconomic status, and co-infections significantly influence neurodevelopment.
  • Emphasizes the critical need for early prevention strategies for STORCH infections to improve long-term developmental trajectories.

Keywords:
Child developmentCongenital infectionNeurodevelopmentPreterm childrenRisk factors

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