Cognitive and motor outcomes in children born low birth weight: a systematic review and meta-analysis of studies from South Asia.

Abstract

Background South Asia contributes substantially to global low birth weight population (i.e. those with birth weight

Methods Literature search was performed using PubMed and Google Scholar. Original research articles from south Asia that compared cognitive and/or motor scores among LBW and NBW individuals were included. Weighted mean differences (WMD) and pooled relative risks (RR) were calculated. All analyses were done using STATA 14 software.

Results Nineteen articles (n = 5999) were included in the analysis. Children

Conclusions In south Asia, children born LBW, especially with < 2000 g birth weight, have substantial cognitive and motor impairment compared to children with NBW. Early child development interventions should lay emphasis to children born LBW.