Perinatal infections and cerebral palsy

Abstract

There are many causes of cerebral palsy (CP) apart from hypoxic events during the perinatal period. Perinatal infections and systemic inflammatory response syndrome of the mother and infant can affect the development of CP significantly. The majority of premature infants are vulnerable to CP and the association between intraamniotic infections, preterm rupture of fetal membranes and the effect of preterm birth predispose the infant to CP. Incidence of intraventricular hemorrhage, white matter disease and periventricular leukomalacia has increased after preterm labor resulting from intraamniotic infections. Bacterial vaginosis, fever, periodontal disease of the mother, as well as bacterial, viral, protozoan and fungal infections of the newborn infant are effective during the development of CP. The balance between proinflammatory and anti-inflammatory cytokines and the combined effects of genetic predisposition, hypoxia, cytokines and bacterial products may initiate the unfavorable process. Treatments directed towards cytokines and bacterial products have not been effective until now. Fetuses and neonates should be protected from perinatal infections as much as possible and all infections should be treated promptly in order to prevent short-term and long-term adverse outcomes.

Keywords

Perinatal infection - intraamniotic infection - cerebral palsy - newborn - hypoxia - cytokines