Cognitive and Educational Outcomes After Preterm Birth or Low Birth Weight

Are preterm birth and low birth weight associated with adverse cognitive and educational outcomes?In this umbrella review and meta-analysis, preterm birth and low birth weight were associated with lower general cognitive ability and disadvantages across multiple educational domains, and these disadvantages generally increased with earlier gestational age and lower birth weight. Although some associations appeared to attenuate during adolescence, evidence of persistent disadvantages into adulthood was observed for several outcomes.Preterm birth and low birth weight are associated with enduring cognitive and educational disadvantages, highlighting the need for early support and intervention.

Corresponding Author: Mingzheng Hu, MMed, Nuffield Department of Primary Care Health Sciences, University of Oxford, Radcliffe Observatory Quarter, Woodstock Road, Oxford OX2 6GG, England (mingzheng.hu@phc.ox.ac.uk).

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