Preterm birth and childhood wheezing disorders: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Accumulating evidence implicates early life factors in the aetiology of non-communicable diseases, including asthma/wheezing disorders. We undertook a systematic review investigating risks of asthma/wheezing disorders in children born preterm, including the increasing numbers who, as a result of advances in neonatal care, now survive very preterm birth.

Methods and findings

Two reviewers independently searched seven online databases for contemporaneous (1 January 1995-23 September 2013) epidemiological studies investigating the association between preterm birth and asthma/wheezing disorders. Additional studies were identified through reference and citation searches, and contacting international experts. Quality appraisal was undertaken using the Effective Public H

SUBMITTER: Been JV 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC3904844 | biostudies-literature | 2014 Jan

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature