Association of the neonatal sequential organ failure assessment score with neurological outcomes in infants diagnosed with hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy - Report - MDSpire

Association of the neonatal sequential organ failure assessment score with neurological outcomes in infants diagnosed with hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy

  • By

  • Kaitlyn Lagnese

  • Shamil Sheth

  • Shannon Vice

  • Dhanashree Rajderkar

  • Juan C. Roig

  • Michael Weiss

  • James L. Wynn

  • May 29, 2026

  • 0 min

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Link Between Neonatal Sequential Organ Failure Assessment Scores and Neurological Outcomes in Infants with Hypoxic-Ischemic Encephalopathy

Overview

Revise to specify the types of neurological outcomes assessed and the predictive nature of nSOFA scores.

Background

Hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy (HIE) is a significant cause of mortality and long-term disabilities in neonates. Despite the use of therapeutic hypothermia (TH), many infants with HIE experience poor neurological outcomes. Identifying risk factors for neurodevelopmental impairment (NDI) is crucial for improving management and outcomes in this vulnerable population.

Data Highlights

MeasureResult
Abnormal MRI (Weeke score ≥5)36 (29.5%)
NDI at ≥12 months (Bayley-III)23 (34.8%)
AUROC for abnormal Weeke score0.79 (95% CI 0.70–0.88)
NPV for abnormal Weeke score81%
PPV for abnormal Weeke score74%
AUROC for NDI0.78 (95% CI 0.66–0.89)
NPV for NDI78%
PPV for NDI75%

Key Findings

  • 29.5% of infants had an abnormal MRI (Weeke score ≥5).
  • 34.8% of infants met criteria for neurodevelopmental impairment (NDI) at ≥12 months.
  • Models using nSOFA scores and laboratory values showed good predictive accuracy for abnormal MRI and NDI.
  • Early physiologic and laboratory measures reflect underlying injury processes in infants with HIE.
  • Integration of early nSOFA scores may enhance risk stratification and prognostic assessment.

Clinical Implications

Clinicians should consider early nSOFA scores and laboratory values as potential indicators of neurological outcomes in infants with HIE. This approach may facilitate timely interventions and tailored care strategies to improve long-term outcomes for affected infants.

Conclusion

The study underscores the importance of early assessment of organ dysfunction and laboratory markers in predicting neurological outcomes in infants with HIE. These findings could inform clinical practices and enhance prognostic capabilities.

Related Resources & Content

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  5. American Academy of Pediatrics, Pediatrics, 2026 -- Therapeutic Hypothermia for Neonatal Hypoxic-Ischemic Encephalopathy: Clinical Report
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  8. Therapeutic Hypothermia for Neonatal Hypoxic-Ischemic Encephalopathy: Clinical Report
  9. Effectiveness of therapeutic hypothermia for neonatal hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy outcome:- umbrella review | Intensive Care Medicine – Paediatric and Neonatal | Springer Nature Link
  10. Neuroprognostication in neonatal encephalopathy due to presumed hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy | Pediatric Research

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