Global Burden of Pediatric Neurological Disorders

Abstract

Neurological conditions in children represent a significant proportion of the global burden of disease, since they contribute to premature mortality and years lived with disability. The burden of neurological conditions, as measured by the total disability adjusted live years has decreased significantly over the last 25 years (1990-2015), mainly due to the reduction in the mortality, as the years lived with disability has increased slightly. However, in some regions of the world, notably South Asia and sub-Saharan Africa, the burden remains high, driven by the high incidence of prematurity, neonatal encephalopathy and infections of the central nervous system.

Figure 1

Contribution of nondegenerative neurological conditions to GBD as a percentage of DALYs in 2015. (Color version of the figure available online.)

Figure 2

Contribution of nondegenerative neurological disorders to GBD as measured by YLD in 2015 in all ages. (Color version of the figure available online.)

Figure 3

Years lived with disability of children (under 5 years) with neurological disorders from 1990-2015. (Color version of the figure available online.)

Figure 4

Years lived with disability of children (5-14 years) with neurological disorders from 1990-2015. (Color version of the figure available online.)

Figure 5

DALYs per 100,000 in children aged less than 5 years across the regions of the world. Key HI, high income; MENA, Mediterranean and North Africa; sub-Sah Africa, sub-Saharan Africa. (Color version of the figure available online.)

Figure 6

DALYs per 100,000 in children aged 5-14 years across the regions of the world. Key HI, high income; MENA, Mediterranean and North Africa; sub-Sah Africa, sub-Saharan Africa. (Color version of the figure available online.)