Global prevalence of long-term neurodevelopmental impairment following extremely preterm birth: a systematic literature review

Abstract

Objective Neurodevelopmental impairment (NDI) is a major complication of extreme prematurity. This systematic review was conducted to summarize the worldwide long-term prevalence of NDI associated with extreme prematurity. Methods Embase and MEDLINE databases were searched for epidemiologic and observational/real-world studies, published in English between 2011 and 2016, reporting long-term prevalence of NDI (occurring from 1 year) among extremely preterm infants born at gestational age (GA) ≤28 weeks. Results Of 2406 articles identified through searches, 69 met the protocol NDI definition (24 North America, 25 Europe, 20 Rest of World). Prevalence of any severity NDI in North America was 8%–59% at 18 months to 2 years, and 11%–37% at 2–5 years; prevalence of moderate NDI in Europe was 10%–13% at 18 months to 2 years, 3% at 2–5 years, and 9%–19% at ≥5 years; prevalence of any NDI in Rest of World was 15%–61% at 18 months to 2 years, and 42% at 2–5 years (no North America/Rest of World studies reported any NDI at ≥5 years). A trend toward higher prevalence of NDI with lower GA at birth was observed. Conclusions Extreme prematurity has a significant long-term worldwide impact on neurodevelopmental outcomes.