The role of brain territorial involvement and infection/inflammation in the long-term outcome of neonates with arterial ischemic stroke: a population-based cohort study

Abstract Background Neonatal arterial ischemic stroke (NAIS) carries the risk of significant long-term neurodevelopmental burden on survivors. Aims To assess the long-term neurodevelopmental outcome of term neonates diagnosed with NAIS and investigate the associations among brain territorial involvement on MRI, clinical risk factors and neurodevelopmental outcomes. Study design Population-based cohort study. Subjects Seventy-nine term neonates with NAIS confirmed by MRI born between 2007 and 2017. Outcome measures Long-term neurodevelopmental outcome assessed using the Bayley Scales of Infant Development-II, the Brunet-Lezine test and the Binet Intelligence scales-V. Results Follow-up was available in 70 (89%) of the subjects enrolled, at a median age of 60 months [IQR: 35–84]. Normal neurodevelopmental outcome was found in 43% of the patients. In a multivariable model, infants with main MCA stroke had an increased risk for overall adverse outcome (OR: 9.1, 95% CI: 1.7–48.0) and a particularly high risk for cerebral palsy (OR: 55.9, 95% CI: 7.8–399.2). The involvement of the corticospinal tract without extensive stroke also increased the risk for cerebral palsy/fine motor impairment (OR: 13.5, 95% CI: 2.4–76.3). Multiple strokes were associated with epilepsy (OR: 9.5, 95% CI: 1.0–88.9) and behavioral problems (OR: 4.4, 95% CI: 1.1–17.5) and inflammation/infection was associated with cerebral palsy (OR: 9.8, 95% CI: 1.4–66.9), cognitive impairment (OR: 9.2, 95% CI: 1.8–47.8) and epilepsy (OR: 10.3, 95% CI: 1.6–67.9). Conclusions Main MCA stroke, involvement of the corticospinal tract, multiple strokes and inflammation/infection were independent predictors of adverse outcome, suggesting that the interplay of stroke territorial involvement and clinical risk factors influence the outcome of NAIS.