Early-Onset Neonatal Infection and Cerebral Palsy

Is an invasive bacterial infection within the first week after birth associated with an increased risk of cerebral palsy among near-term and full-term children?In this cohort study with more than 1 million children, near-term and full-term children with early-onset neonatal sepsis and meningitis, defined by clinical diagnoses and bacterial cultures, were at a markedly increased risk of developing cerebral palsy. Sepsis was more strongly associated with severe clinical presentations, including nonambulatory status and the bilateral subtypes.These findings suggest that improved prophylaxis and treatment of early bacterial infections may hold the potential to reduce cerebral palsy in this group.

Corresponding Author: Mads Andersen, MD, Department of Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, Aarhus University Hospital, Palle Juul-Jensens Blvd 99, 8200 Aarhus, Denmark (mads.andersen@clin.au.dk).

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