Early-Onset Neonatal Infection and Cerebral Palsy

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Cerebral palsy (CP) is a common developmental disability affecting motor function, with a prevalence of 2 to 3 per 1000 children.
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Early-onset neonatal infections, including sepsis and meningitis, are caused by bacteria transmitted to newborns within the first week of life.
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The study aims to investigate the association between early-onset neonatal infections and CP among near-term and full-term children in Denmark.
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CP diagnoses were validated using the Danish Cerebral Palsy Registry and the Danish Cerebral Palsy Follow-up Program, covering 90% of affected children.
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Multivariable logistic regression was used to examine the association between sepsis and CP, accounting for various child and maternal characteristics.

Jama Network Open

by Mads Andersen, Niels Bjerregård Matthiesen, May Murra, Stine Yde Nielsen, Tine Brink Henriksen
May 26, 2026

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