Risk of Child ADHD and Low Birth Weight: A Systematic Review Study

Background: Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and its possible causes still attract controversy. Genes, pre and perinatal risks, psychosocial factors and environmental toxins have all been considered as potential risk factors. The objective of this study was to evaluate an association between low birth weight (LBW) and attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Method: This systematic review was conducted through medical database, ISI Web of Knowledge, PubMed, Scopus, Medline, Embase, Google Scholar, and Cochrane for peer-reviewed, cross sectional, cohort studies assessing the correlation between child ADHD with Low birth weight (LBW) from 2005 to 2019 without language restriction. Keywords were selected based on the Mesh terms. Results: From all 126 articles which were totally found, only 19 studies with 15 to 22 scores from STROBE checklist remained in the study for final assessment. Five studies assessed the relationship between VLBW and ADHD, one study the relationship between ELBW and ADHD, and another one between VLBW/ELBW and ADHD. Significant correlations had been reported between LBW and ADHD in 7 studies, between VLBW and ADHD in 5 studies, and between ELBW and ADHD in 1 study. Nevertheless, some researchers had reported no significant correlation between LBW and ADHD in 5 studies and between VLBW and ADHD in 1 study. Conclusion: Birth weight seems to have a decisive role in the development of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder in children. Specific prevention and management interventions are required to reduce the incidence of ADHD.