Title: Academic performance of children born preterm: a meta-analysis and meta-regression
| Authors: | Twilhaar ES, de Kieviet JF, Aarnoudse-Moens CSH, Van Elburg, R.M., Oosterlaan, J. |
| Published: | August 28, 2017 |
| Journal: | Arch Dis Child Fetal Neonatal Ed |
Preterm birth is an increasing public health concern being a major cause of neonatal morbidity and mortality. Impaired growth and immature physiology in preterm infants impact functional organ development, especially brain. This influences longer term health outcomes i.e. higher risk for motor, learning and behavior problems, and cognitive impairment.
This meta-analysis on academic performance provides insight in the outcomes, difficulties and needs of preterm infants. Preterm born children have substantial difficulties in reading, spelling, and arithmetic. Bronchopulmonary dysplasia was found to be the most important risk factor for poor academic performance and may be a crucial target for (nutritional) interventions to improve outcomes.
Citation: Twilhaar ES, de Kieviet JF, Aarnoudse-Moens CSH, Van Elburg, R.M., Oosterlaan, J. Academic performance of children born preterm: a meta-analysis and meta-regression. Arch Dis Child Fetal Neonatal Ed Published Online First: August 28 2017. doi:10.1136/archdischild-2017-312916