Abstract
AimOur study aimed to evaluate the early neurodevelopmental outcomes of very low birthweight (VLBW) neonates with culture-proven sepsis compared with VLBW neonates without sepsis.Materials and methodsOur study included 80 VLBW neonates with blood culture-proven sepsis and 80 VLBW neonates without sepsis. For each neonate with sepsis, a control neonate of matching gender and gestational age was selected. We evaluated weight, length, and head circumference and conducted Hammersmith neonatal neurological examinations for each participant. We also conducted Developmental Assessment Screening II and vision and hearing impairment screening during a follow-up evaluation.ResultsWe noted a developmental delay in 11 (23.4%) neonates with sepsis and two (3%) without sepsis at six months of age. The median developmental quotient, motor quotient, and mental quotients were significantly lower in the neonates with sepsis compared to those without sepsis.ConclusionsOur findings suggest that sepsis significantly affects mortality and neurodevelopmental outcomes at six months in VLBW neonates. Therefore, preventive measures for sepsis in VLBW neonates is crucial, and those with culture-positive sepsis will require close monitoring and follow-up evaluations.
Highlights
Survival among very low birth weight (VLBW) infants has improved due to advanced care via neonatal intensive care units (NICU)
Our findings suggest that sepsis significantly affects mortality and neurodevelopmental outcomes at six months in VLBW neonates
Because sepsis is a common issue among neonates admitted to the NICU, an understanding of the neurodevelopmental outcomes is important for prognostication
Summary
Survival among very low birth weight (VLBW) infants has improved due to advanced care via neonatal intensive care units (NICU). The incidence of VLBW births is a major public health problem with significant medical and financial impact due to the concomitant increase in long-term comorbidities such as poor neurodevelopmental outcomes. Because sepsis is a common issue among neonates admitted to the NICU, an understanding of the neurodevelopmental outcomes is important for prognostication. Sepsis is associated with high mortality and morbidity. Sepsis among VLBW infants affects morbidity and mortality, especially in a developing country like India [3]. Most VLBW neonates get at least one infection during their hospital stay due to a combination of an immature immune system, increased interventions like central venous catheterization and total parenteral nutrition, blood product transfusion, mechanical ventilation, and surfactant administration [1,2]
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
