Developmental Coordination Disorder in Preterm Children: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Abstract

Aims: to systematically review the prevalence of DCD in individuals born preterm; explore this prevalence according to gestational age and different assessments cut-offs; and compare to full-term peers. Methods: The eligibility criteria was observational and experimental studies reporting the prevalence of DCD in preterm individuals. A systematic search was performed in databases from inception until March 2022. The selection was performed by two independent reviewers. Study quality assessment was performed using the checklists from Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI). Data analysis were performed on Excel and Review Manager Software 5.4. Results: Among the 1774 studies identified, 32 matched the eligibility criteria. The pooled estimates of DCD rate in preterm was 21% (95% CI 17.8–24.3). The estimate rates were higher as gestational age decreased, and preterm children are two times more likely to have DCD than their full-term peers RR 2.2 (95% IC 1.77–2.79). Interpretation: The limitation was high heterogeneity between studies: the assessment tools and cut-off points, as well as the age at assessment, were diverse. This study provided evidence that preterm children are at higher risk for DCD than full-term children, and the risks increased as gestational age decreased.