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Review
. 2023 Oct 1;36(5):405-413.
doi: 10.1097/QCO.0000000000000946. Epub 2023 Jul 19.

Neurodevelopmental outcomes in congenital and perinatal infections

Olivier Fortin  1 , Sarah B Mulkey  1   2   3
Affiliations
Review

Neurodevelopmental outcomes in congenital and perinatal infections

Olivier Fortin et al. Curr Opin Infect Dis. .

Abstract

Purpose of review: Congenital infections are a major cause of childhood multidomain neurodevelopmental disabilities. They contribute to a range of structural brain abnormalities that can cause severe neurodevelopmental impairment, cerebral palsy, epilepsy, and neurosensory impairments. New congenital infections and global viral pandemics have emerged, with some affecting the developing brain and causing neurodevelopmental concerns. This review aims to provide current understanding of fetal infections and their impact on neurodevelopment.

Recent findings: There are a growing list of congenital infections causing neurodevelopmental issues, including cytomegalovirus, Zika virus, syphilis, rubella, lymphocytic choriomeningitis virus, and toxoplasmosis. Fetal exposure to maternal SARS-CoV-2 may also pose risk to the developing brain and impact neurodevelopmental outcomes, although studies have conflicting results. As Zika virus was a recently identified congenital infection, there are several new reports on child neurodevelopment in the Caribbean and Central and South America. For many congenital infections, children with in-utero exposure, even if asymptomatic at birth, may have neurodevelopmental concerns manifest over time.

Summary: Congenital infections should be considered in the differential diagnosis of a child with neurodevelopmental impairments. Detailed pregnancy history, exposure risk, and testing should guide diagnosis and multidisciplinary evaluation. Children with congenital infections should have long-term follow-up to assess for neurodevelopmental delays and other neurosensory impairments. Children with confirmed delays or high-risk should be referred for rehabilitation therapies.

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Conflict of interest statement

Conflicts of Interest

Sarah B. Mulkey has received grant support from the Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health & Human Development of the National Institutes of Health under Award Number R01HD102445. Dr. Mulkey also has a contract with the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, for work on Zika virus separate from this study. Olivier Fortin has no conflict of interest to declare.

Figures

Figure 1.
Figure 1.. Multidisciplinary Assessment of Infants with Congenital Infections
Suggested members of the multidisciplinary team of healthcare providers for the assessment of infants with suspected or confirmed congenital infections, as well as for long term clinical follow-up.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

References

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