Outcomes of children and young people with cerebral palsy receiving long‐term respiratory support: A systematic review

AIM: To systematically review the current knowledge gap in, and impact of, long-term respiratory support in children and young people (CYP) with cerebral palsy (CP). METHOD: We searched six databases from inception until 30th January 2025. Grey literature was also searched. Screening and data extraction using Covidence software, quality of evidence (Risk Of Bias In Non-randomized Studies - of Interventions), and certainty of evidence (Grading of Recommendation, Assessment, Development and Evaluation) grading were independently conducted by two reviewers, with a third reviewer resolving any lack of consensus. RESULTS: Title and abstract screening (n = 1994) and full-text reviews (n = 45) identified four studies (with moderate to severe risk of bias) for data extraction. Findings presented as a narrative synthesis from vote counting suggest improvement in sleep study parameters for CYP with CP on long-term respiratory support and quality of life for their parents (low certainty of evidence). INTERPRETATION: This review identified a significant knowledge gap in the use of long-term respiratory support in CYP with CP and its impact on health-related outcomes for such young people. This limits the information that can be offered when counselling parents/carers before initiating respiratory support in CYP with CP. Further research is needed to allow better service-planning at national and local levels.