Classification Criteria and Rates of Persistent Postconcussive Symptoms in Children: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Abstract

To provide a systematic review of studies examining the proportion of children with persistent postconcussive symptoms (PPCS) and to examine potential moderators of prevalence. Searches were conducted in MEDLINE, Embase, PsycINFO, Scopus, and Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials on April 16, 2020. Criteria for study inclusion were children aged <18years with concussion or mild traumatic brain injury, operational definition of PPCS, assessment of postconcussive symptoms at least 4weeks postinjury, sample sizes and proportion with PPCS available, and study published in English. Definition of PPCS, sample size, proportion of participants identified with PPCS, child sex and age at injury, time postinjury, premorbid symptoms, diagnosis (concussion or mild traumatic brain injury), and study publication year were extracted from each article. Study quality was assessed using the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale. Thirteen studies, with a total of 5307 participants, were included in our analysis. The proportion of children identified with PPCS was 35.1% (weighted average; 95% CI, 26.3%-45.0%). The prevalence of PPCS was higher in older and female children who presented for care at concussion clinics, and in more recent publications. Approximately one-third of children with concussion/mild traumatic brain injury will experience PPCS. Age, sex, and point of care could help identify children at high risk for PPCS.