Abstract
This study was performed to detect among newborn infant brain damages associated with neonatal sepsis and to clarify physiopathological mechanisms leading either to death or to later functional disabilities. Over a 3-year period(1982-85), 56 neonates(Group A:40 preterm. Group B:16 term)were admitted to the Neonatal Unit with proved bacterial sepsis and/or meningitis. The distribution of the germs was similar in both groups(Listeria, Group B streptococcus,Coli,Klebsellia,others)but clinical pictures, ultrasound(US)findings, mortality rate and neurodevelopmental outcome were different.
Our results indicate that prediction of survival and morbidity should be considered in terms of brain maturation and hemodynamic conditions. Death or major sequelae could be in most cases ascribed to septic shock and circulatory disturbances leading to peri-intraventricular haemorrhage(PVH)and/or leukomalacia(PVL). Virulence and toxicity of the microorganism appeared to represent an additional adverse factor. The various etiopathogenic models will be discussed.
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Fawer, C., Calame, A., Vaudaux, B. et al. 140 BRAIN ULTRASONOGRAFHIC STUDY IN NEONATAL SEPSIS: NEW CONCEPTS OF PATHOPHYSIOLOGY OF CEREBRAL DAMAGES AND EARLY DEVELOPMENTAL OUTCOME. Pediatr Res 20, 1057 (1986). https://doi.org/10.1203/00006450-198610000-00195
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1203/00006450-198610000-00195
