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Neurodevelopmental impairments noted in preemies who had sepsis
Schlapbach LJ. Pediatrics. 2011;128:e348-e357.
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Premature infants who have had proven sepsis may be more likely to develop neurodevelopmental impairments compared with infants who did not have sepsis, according to a study published online this week.
Luregn J. Schlapbach, MD, and colleagues from the University of Bern in Switzerland looked at 541 very prematurely born babies — born between 24 and 27 weeks of age — from 2000 to 2007.
The researchers said 305 of these babies had proven or suspected sepsis, and 236 had no signs of infection.
There were neurodevelopmental impairments in “46 of 134 infants with proven sepsis compared with 55 of 235 uninfected infants,” they said, adding that cerebral palsy occurred in about 10% of the infants who had sepsis vs. 4% of uninfected infants.
According to the findings of the multivariable analysis, proven sepsis independently increased the risk for cerebral palsy (OR=3.23; 95% CI, 1.23-8.48) and neurodevelopmental impairments (OR=1.69; 95% CI, 0.96-2.98). The presence of bronchopulmonary dysplasia, pathologic brain ultrasonography, retinopathy and sepsis predicted the risk for neurodevelopmental impairment (P<.0001).
However, “suspected sepsis was not associated with neurodevelopmental outcome (P>.05),” the researchers said.
The study investigators said there were some limitations to the study; specifically, that assessing neurodevelopmental issues at age 2 years may underestimate cognitive and neuromotor outcomes.
“We hope that a better understanding of risk factors associated with poor neurodevelopment may provide the basis for improved preventive and therapeutic strategies,” the researchers concluded. “In addition, these data may provide valuable tools in the counseling of parents and aid in the estimation of long-term prognoses. In view of the results of this study, it seems urgent to develop protocols aimed at reducing sepsis incidence in this highly vulnerable group.”
Disclosure: The researchers report no relevant financial disclosures.
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