The Impact of Neonatal Sepsis on Long-Term Neurodevelopment: A Systematic Review of Cognitive and Sensory Outcomes.

Abstract

This systematic review examines the long-term cognitive and sensory outcomes associated with neonatal sepsis. A comprehensive literature search was conducted in PubMed, Web of Science, Scopus, and Embase from January 2020 to July 2025, following PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses) guidelines. Studies were included if they reported neurodevelopmental outcomes among survivors of neonatal sepsis. A total of 14 eligible studies were identified and evaluated for risk of bias using the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale. Due to methodological heterogeneity, a narrative synthesis was performed. The included studies investigated a range of neurodevelopmental domains, with particular attention to cognitive, motor, and sensory outcomes. Findings varied across study populations and settings. Most studies reported a low risk of bias. This review highlights the need for standardized definitions of neonatal sepsis and outcome measures, as well as increased research focus on sensory outcomes and data from low-resource settings. Further prospective studies are recommended to enhance understanding of risk stratification and inform long-term follow-up strategies.