The impact of perinatal brain injury on siblings: a scoping review

PURPOSE: (a) To analyze the extent and nature of research available on the impact of childhood perinatal brain injury (PBI) on siblings, (b) to synthetize results in a descriptive manner. METHOD: A literature search of 4 databases was performed up to October 2023. Studies addressing issues around siblings of children with PBI, cerebral palsy (CP) or Profound Intellectual and Multiple Disabilities (PIMD) were included. The protocol was drafted using Arksey and O'Malley's framework and the review followed PRISMA reporting guideline. RESULTS: 35 articles were identified and analyzed, all focused on CP/PIMD. They highlight the impact of CP/PIMD on family functioning, siblings' roles, and relationships. We grouped results in three categories: (1) impact of CP/PIMD on family functioning, (2) impact on the relationships with the person with CP/PIMD and (3) experience of CP/PIMD. Siblings' relationship with the person with CP/PIMD is particularly impacted. Siblings' trajectory and quality of life are modified. CP/PIMD cause psychological, behavioral and cognitive difficulties. Siblings report various support and ways of coping. CONCLUSION: Few and heterogeneous studies are available. CP/PIMD significantly impacts siblings' life trajectory. Further studies appear necessary to precisely analyze the issues, study coping strategies, and develop, propose and implement appropriate support for siblings.