The I/T ratio and CRP and TNF-α levels of blood at D0, white matter injury on MRI at discharge, head circumference and seizure spikes on aEEG at near-term age were associated with Bayley-III scores at a CA of 18 months.<h4>Conclusions</h4>Systemic inflammation induced by clinical infection and NEC are associated with neurodevelopmental impairment in preterm infants. Here, TNF is linked to infection.