title: Neonatal sepsis and simple minor neurological dysfunction.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  This study examined potential risk factors for and consequences of simple minor neurological dysfunction (SMND), in a group of very low-birthweight newborns followed until preschool age.
  
  
  METHODS
  This was a prospective longitudinal study. Children with birthweight <1500 g were assessed at 4-6 years of age. Twenty-eight children with normal neurological examination and 35 children with SMND were included in the final analysis. Risk factors for the development of SMND and its association with certain neuropsychiatric conditions were studied.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Based on neonatal data, in children with SMND, Apgar score at 1 min (6.13 ± 2.37 vs 7.66 ± 1.04, P = 0.008) and at 5 min (8.63 ± 1.29 vs 9.45 ± 0.65, P = 0.019) was lower, duration of hospital stay was longer (45.8 ± 21.8 vs 35.1 ± 18.2 days, P = 0.037), and the frequency of sepsis was higher (73.5 vs 25%, P < 0.001). Sepsis was found to be an independent risk factor for SMND (OR, 7.6; 95% CI: 2.2-26.0; P = 0.001). The children with SMND had lower intelligence quotient and higher prevalence of hyperactivity and refraction error.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Postnatal sepsis was the single most important risk factor for the development of SMND, and these children with SMND are at great risk for certain neuropsychiatric conditions. Preventive strategies, particularly for sepsis in the neonatal period, and early diagnosis and rehabilitation of future neuropsychiatric disorders are needed for better management of these cases.
authors.affiliation: Division of Neonatology, Department of Pediatrics, Kocaeli University Medical School, Kocaeli, Turkey.
authors.forename: Nazan
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Kavas
authors.affiliation: Division of Neonatology, Department of Pediatrics, Kocaeli University Medical School, Kocaeli, Turkey.
authors.forename: Ayşe Engin
authors.initials: AE
authors.lastname: Arısoy
authors.affiliation: Department of Pediatrics, Kocaeli University Medical School, Kocaeli, Turkey.
authors.forename: Asuman
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Bayhan
authors.affiliation: Division of Pediatric Neurology, Department of Pediatrics, Kocaeli University Medical School, Kocaeli, Turkey.
authors.forename: Bülent
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Kara
authors.affiliation: Division of Neonatology, Department of Pediatrics, Kocaeli University Medical School, Kocaeli, Turkey.
authors.forename: Ayla
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Günlemez
authors.affiliation: Division of Neonatology, Department of Pediatrics, Kocaeli University Medical School, Kocaeli, Turkey.
authors.forename: Gülcan
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Türker
authors.affiliation: Division of Neonatology, Department of Pediatrics, Kocaeli University Medical School, Kocaeli, Turkey.
authors.forename: Meral
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Oruç
authors.affiliation: Division of Neonatology, Department of Pediatrics, Kocaeli University Medical School, Kocaeli, Turkey.
authors.forename: Ayşe Sevim
authors.initials: AS
authors.lastname: Gökalp
mesh_terms: D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D007234:Infant, Premature; D007235:Infant, Premature, Diseases; D019102:Infant, Very Low Birth Weight; D016015:Logistic Models; D008297:Male; D000071074:Neonatal Sepsis / Q000150:complications*; D009422:Nervous System Diseases / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000209:etiology*; D009483:Neuropsychological Tests; D011446:Prospective Studies; D012307:Risk Factors; D012720:Severity of Illness Index
keywords: neuropsychiatric problem; sepsis; simple minor neurological dysfunction; very low-birthweight