-
Current Hypertension Reports Jul 2024Pregnancy-induced preeclampsia is a severe pregnancy complication and preeclampsia has been associated with an increased risk of chronic hypertension for offspring.... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
PURPOSE OF REVIEW
Pregnancy-induced preeclampsia is a severe pregnancy complication and preeclampsia has been associated with an increased risk of chronic hypertension for offspring. However, the magnitude of the overall effect of exposure to preeclampsia in pregnancy on blood pressure (BP) in offspring is unknown. This systematic review and meta-analysis was sought to systematically assess the effects of preeclampsia on the BP of the offspring.
RECENT FINDINGS
Of 2550 publications identified, 23 studies were included. The meta-analysis indicated that preeclampsia increases the potential risk of hypertension in offspring. Systolic blood pressure (SBP) was 2.0 mm Hg (95% CI: 1.2, 2.8) and diastolic blood pressure (DBP) was 1.4 mm Hg (95% CI: 0.9, 1.9) higher in offspring exposed to pre-eclampsia in utero, compared to those born to normotensive mothers. The correlations were similar in stratified analyses of children and adolescents by sex, geographic area, ages, and gestational age. During childhood and young adulthood, the offspring of pregnant women with preeclampsia are at an increased risk of high BP. It is crucial to monitor their BP.
Topics: Humans; Pregnancy; Pre-Eclampsia; Female; Blood Pressure; Hypertension; Prenatal Exposure Delayed Effects; Risk Factors
PubMed: 38780756
DOI: 10.1007/s11906-024-01306-3 -
Complementary Therapies in Medicine Jun 2024The purpose of this systematic review was to examine the association between folic acid supplementation during pregnancy and the risk of preeclampsia. (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
OBJECTIVE
The purpose of this systematic review was to examine the association between folic acid supplementation during pregnancy and the risk of preeclampsia.
METHODS
Relevant studies were included by searching Embase, PubMed, Scope, Web of science, Cochrane Library databases. Studies were reviewed according to prespecified inclusion and exclusion criteria. Study characteristics were summarized, and study quality was assessed. Risk ratios (RR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) were used as indicators of effect to assess the relationship between folic acid supplementation and risk of preeclampsia.
RESULTS
The protocol of this study was prospectively registered with the PROSPERO (registration No. CRD42022380636). A total of nine studies were included, divided into three groups according to the type of study, containing a total of 107 051 and 105 222 women who were supplemented and not supplemented with folic acid during pregnancy. The results showed that folic acid supplementation during pregnancy could not be proven to reduce the risk of preeclampsia.
CONCLUSION
The results of the study suggest that folic acid supplementation alone is not associated with a decreased risk of pre-eclampsia,but the inferences are somewhat limited by the low methodological quality of the included literature, and therefore higher quality studies are needed to prove this point.
Topics: Pre-Eclampsia; Humans; Pregnancy; Folic Acid; Female; Dietary Supplements
PubMed: 38763206
DOI: 10.1016/j.ctim.2024.103052 -
American Journal of Physiology. Heart... Jul 2024The reduced uterine perfusion pressure (RUPP) model is frequently used to study preeclampsia and fetal growth restriction. An improved understanding of influential... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
The reduced uterine perfusion pressure (RUPP) model is frequently used to study preeclampsia and fetal growth restriction. An improved understanding of influential factors might improve reproducibility and reduce animal use considering the variability in RUPP phenotype. We performed a systematic review and meta-analysis by searching Medline and Embase (until 28 March, 2023) for RUPP studies in murine. Primary outcomes included maternal blood pressure (BP) or proteinuria, fetal weight or crown-rump length, fetal reabsorptions, or antiangiogenic factors. We aimed to identify influential factors by meta-regression analysis. We included 155 studies. Our meta-analysis showed that the RUPP procedure results in significantly higher BP (MD = 24.1 mmHg; [22.6; 25.7]; = 148), proteinuria (SMD = 2.3; [0.9; 3.8]; = 28), fetal reabsorptions (MD = 50.4%; [45.5; 55.2]; = 42), circulating soluble FMS-like tyrosine kinase-1 (sFlt-1) (SMD = 2.6; [1.7; 3.4]; = 34), and lower fetal weight (MD = -0.4 g; [-0.47; -0.34]; = 113. The heterogeneity (variability between studies) in primary outcomes appeared ≥90%. Our meta-regression identified influential factors in the method and time point of BP measurement, randomization in fetal weight, and type of control group in sFlt-1. The RUPP is a robust model considering the evident differences in maternal and fetal outcomes. The high heterogeneity reflects the observed variability in phenotype. Because of underreporting, we observed reporting bias and a high risk of bias. We recommend standardizing study design by optimal time point and method chosen for readout measures to limit the variability. This contributes to improved reproducibility and thereby eventually improves the translational value of the RUPP model.
Topics: Fetal Growth Retardation; Female; Pregnancy; Pre-Eclampsia; Animals; Disease Models, Animal; Mice; Uterus; Blood Pressure; Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor Receptor-1; Fetal Weight
PubMed: 38758122
DOI: 10.1152/ajpheart.00056.2024 -
BMC Pregnancy and Childbirth May 2024Given the increasing incidence of negative outcomes during pregnancy, our research team conducted a dose-response systematic review and meta-analysis to investigate the... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
OBJECTIVES
Given the increasing incidence of negative outcomes during pregnancy, our research team conducted a dose-response systematic review and meta-analysis to investigate the relationship between ultra-processed foods (UPFs) consumption and common adverse pregnancy outcomes including gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM), preeclampsia (PE), preterm birth (PTB), low birth weight (LBW), and small for gestational age (SGA) infants. UPFs are described as formulations of food substances often modified by chemical processes and then assembled into ready-to-consume hyper-palatable food and drink products using flavors, colors, emulsifiers, and other cosmetic additives. Examples include savory snacks, reconstituted meat products, frozen meals that have already been made, and soft drinks.
METHODS
A comprehensive search was performed using the Scopus, PubMed, and Web of Science databases up to December 2023. We pooled relative risk (RR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) using a random-effects model.
RESULTS
Our analysis (encompassing 54 studies with 552,686 individuals) revealed a significant association between UPFs intake and increased risks of GDM (RR = 1.19; 95% CI: 1.10, 1.27; I = 77.5%; p < 0.001; studies = 44; number of participants = 180,824), PE (RR = 1.28; 95% CI: 1.03, 1.59; I = 80.0%; p = 0.025; studies = 12; number of participants = 54,955), while no significant relationships were found for PTB, LBW and SGA infants. Importantly, a 100 g increment in UPFs intake was related to a 27% increase in GDM risk (RR = 1.27; 95% CI: 1.07, 1.51; I = 81.0%; p = 0.007; studies = 9; number of participants = 39,812). The non-linear dose-response analysis further indicated a positive, non-linear relationship between UPFs intake and GDM risk P = 0.034, P = 0.034), although no such relationship was observed for PE (P = 0.696, P = 0.812).
CONCLUSION
In summary, both prior to and during pregnancy, chronic and excessive intake of UPFs is associated with an increased risk of GDM and PE. However, further observational studies, particularly among diverse ethnic groups with precise UPFs consumption measurement tools, are imperative for a more comprehensive understanding.
Topics: Humans; Pregnancy; Female; Pregnancy Outcome; Diabetes, Gestational; Infant, Newborn; Fast Foods; Infant, Small for Gestational Age; Premature Birth; Pre-Eclampsia; Infant, Low Birth Weight; Pregnancy Complications; Food Handling; Food, Processed
PubMed: 38750456
DOI: 10.1186/s12884-024-06489-w -
BMC Pregnancy and Childbirth May 2024Preeclampsia (PE), an obstetric disorder, remains one of the leading causes of maternal and infant mortality worldwide. In individuals with PE, the... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
BACKGROUND
Preeclampsia (PE), an obstetric disorder, remains one of the leading causes of maternal and infant mortality worldwide. In individuals with PE, the coagulation-fibrinolytic system is believed to be among the most significantly impacted systems due to maternal inflammatory responses and immune dysfunction. Therefore, this systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to assess the association of prothrombin time (PT), thrombin time (TT) and activated partial thromboplastin time (APTT) levels with preeclampsia.
METHODS
This systematic review and meta-analysis was conducted in accordance with the PRISMA guidelines. Articles relevant to the study, published from July 26, 2013, to July 26, 2023, were systematically searched across various databases including PubMed, Scopus, Embase, and Hinari. The methodological quality of the articles was evaluated using the Joanna Briggs Institute critical appraisal checklist. Utilizing Stata version 14.0, a random-effects model was employed to estimate the pooled standardized mean difference (SMD) along with the respective 95% CIs. The I statistics and Cochrane Q test were utilized to assess heterogeneity, while subgroup analyses were performed to explore its sources. Furthermore, Egger's regression test and funnel plot were employed to assess publication bias among the included studies.
RESULTS
A total of 30 articles, involving 5,964 individuals (2,883 with PE and 3,081 as normotensive pregnant mothers), were included in this study. The overall pooled SMD for PT, APTT, and TT between PE and normotensive pregnant mothers were 0.97 (95% CI: 0.65-1.29, p < 0.001), 1.05 (95% CI: 0.74-1.36, p < 0.001), and 0.30 (95% CI: -0.08-0.69, p = 0.11), respectively. The pooled SMD indicates a significant increase in PT and APTT levels among PE patients compared to normotensive pregnant mothers, while the increase in TT levels among PE patients was not statistically significant.
CONCLUSIONS
The meta-analysis underscores the association between PE and prolonged PT and APTT. This suggests that evaluating coagulation parameters like PT, APTT, and TT in pregnant women could offer easily accessible and cost-effective clinical indicators for assessing PE. However, multicenter longitudinal studies are needed to evaluate their effectiveness across various gestational weeks of pregnancy.
Topics: Humans; Pregnancy; Female; Pre-Eclampsia; Partial Thromboplastin Time; Prothrombin Time; Thrombin Time; Blood Coagulation
PubMed: 38741046
DOI: 10.1186/s12884-024-06543-7 -
Journal of Psychosomatic Obstetrics and... Dec 2024To assess the impact of low-dose aspirin (LDA) on obstetrical outcomes through a meta-analysis of placebo-controlled randomized controlled trials (RCTs). (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
OBJECTIVE
To assess the impact of low-dose aspirin (LDA) on obstetrical outcomes through a meta-analysis of placebo-controlled randomized controlled trials (RCTs).
METHODS
A systematic search of the PubMed, Cochrane Library, Web of Science and Embase databases from inception to January 2024 was conducted to identify studies exploring the role of aspirin on pregnancy, reporting obstetrical-related outcomes, including preterm birth (PTB, gestational age <37 weeks), small for gestational age (SGA), low birth weight (LBW, birthweight < 2500g), perinatal death (PND), admission to the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU), 5-min Apgar score < 7 and placental abruption. Relative risks (RRs) were estimated for the combined outcomes. Subgroup analyses were performed by risk for preeclampsia (PE), LDA dosage (<100 mg vs. ≥100 mg) and timing of onset (≤20 weeks vs. >20 weeks).
RESULTS
Forty-seven studies involving 59,124 participants were included. Compared with placebo, LDA had a more significant effect on low-risk events such as SGA, PTB and LBW. Specifically, LDA significantly reduced the risk of SGA (RR = 0.91, 95% CI: 0.87-0.95), PTB (RR = 0.93, 95% CI: 0.89-0.97) and LBW (RR = 0.94, 95% CI: 0.89-0.99). For high-risk events, LDA significantly lowered the risk of NICU admission (RR = 0.93, 95% CI: 0.87-0.99). On the other hand, LDA can significantly increase the risk of placental abruption (RR = 1.72, 95% CI: 1.23-2.43). Subgroup analyses showed that LDA significantly reduced the risk of SGA (RR = 0.86, 95% CI: 0.77-0.97), PTB (RR = 0.93, 95% CI: 0.88-0.98) and PND (RR = 0.65, 95% CI: 0.48-0.88) in pregnant women at high risk of PE, whereas in healthy pregnant women LDA did not significantly improve obstetrical outcomes, but instead significantly increased the risk of placental abruption (RR = 5.56, 95% CI: 1.92-16.11). In pregnant women at high risk of PE, LDA administered at doses ≥100 mg significantly reduced the risk of SGA (RR = 0.77, 95% CI: 0.66-0.91) and PTB (RR = 0.56, 95% CI: 0.32-0.97), but did not have a statistically significant effect on reducing the risk of NICU, PND and LBW. LDA started at ≤20 weeks significantly reduced the risk of SGA (RR = 0.76, 95% CI: 0.65-0.89) and PTB (RR = 0.56, 95% CI: 0.32-0.97).
CONCLUSIONS
To sum up, LDA significantly improved neonatal outcomes in pregnant women at high risk of PE without elevating the risk of placental abruption. These findings support LDA's clinical application in pregnant women, although further research is needed to refine dosage and timing recommendations.
Topics: Female; Humans; Infant, Newborn; Pregnancy; Abruptio Placentae; Aspirin; Infant, Low Birth Weight; Infant, Small for Gestational Age; Pre-Eclampsia; Pregnancy Outcome; Premature Birth; Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic
PubMed: 38712869
DOI: 10.1080/0167482X.2024.2344079 -
PloS One 2024Women at increased risk of developing pre-eclampsia are advised to take a daily low-dose of aspirin from 12 weeks of pregnancy to reduce their risks. Despite the... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
INTRODUCTION
Women at increased risk of developing pre-eclampsia are advised to take a daily low-dose of aspirin from 12 weeks of pregnancy to reduce their risks. Despite the well-established prophylactic effect of aspirin, adherence to this therapy is low. This systematic review aimed to summarise evidence on the barriers and facilitators of adherence to low-dose aspirin to inform intervention development to support decision making and persistence with aspirin use for pre-eclampsia prevention.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
A systematic review and meta-synthesis of qualitative research was co-produced by representatives from charities, and public, clinical and academic members. Eight electronic databases (MEDLINE, PsycINFO, CINAHL, Web of Science, Scopus, EMBASE, Prospero, OpenGrey), archives of charities and professional organisations were searched (between October and November 2023 and re-run in August 2023) using predefined search terms. Studies containing qualitative components related to barriers and facilitators of adherence to low-dose aspirin during pregnancy were included. Quality assessment was performed using the Critical Appraisal Skills Programme checklist for qualitative research. A combination of the COM-B framework with phases of adherence process as defined by international taxonomy was used as the coding framework. Co-production activities were facilitated by use of 'Zoom' and 'Linoit'.
RESULTS
From a total of 3377 papers identified through our searches, five published studies and one dissertation met our inclusion criteria. Studies were published from 2019 to 2022 covering research conducted in the USA, Canada, UK, Netherlands and Australia. Barriers and facilitators to adherence were mapped to six categories of the COM-B for three phases of adherence: initiation, implementation, and discontinuation. The discontinuation phase of adherence was only mentioned by one author. Four key themes were identified relating to pregnancy: 'Insufficient knowledge', 'Necessity concerns balance', 'Access to medicine', 'Social influences', and 'Lack of Habit'.
CONCLUSIONS
The COM-B framework allowed for detailed mapping of key factors shaping different phases of adherence in behavioural change terms and now provides a solid foundation for the development of a behavioural intervention. Although potential intervention elements could be suggested based on the results of this synthesis, additional co-production work is needed to define elements and plan for the delivery of the future intervention.
TRIAL REGISTRATION
PROSPERO CRD42022359718. https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/prospero/display_record.php?ID=CRD42022359718.
Topics: Aspirin; Humans; Pregnancy; Female; Medication Adherence; Pre-Eclampsia; Qualitative Research
PubMed: 38701053
DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0302720 -
International Journal of Molecular... Apr 2024Preeclampsia, a serious complication of pregnancy, involves intricate molecular and cellular mechanisms. Fetal microchimerism, where fetal cells persist within maternal... (Review)
Review
Preeclampsia, a serious complication of pregnancy, involves intricate molecular and cellular mechanisms. Fetal microchimerism, where fetal cells persist within maternal tissues and in circulation, acts as a mechanistic link between placental dysfunction and maternal complications in the two-stage model of preeclampsia. Hormones, complements, and cytokines play pivotal roles in the pathophysiology, influencing immune responses, arterial remodeling, and endothelial function. Also, soluble HLA-G, involved in maternal-fetal immune tolerance, is reduced in preeclampsia. Hypoxia-inducible factor 1-alpha (Hif-α) dysregulation leads to placental abnormalities and preeclampsia-like symptoms. Alterations in matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs), endothelins (ETs), chemokines, and cytokines contribute to defective trophoblast invasion, endothelial dysfunction, and inflammation. Preeclampsia's genetic complexity includes circRNAs, miRNAs, and lncRNAs. CircRNA_06354 is linked to early-onset preeclampsia by influencing trophoblast invasion via the hsa-miR-92a-3p/VEGF-A pathway. The dysregulation of C19MC, especially miR-519d and miR-517-5p, affects trophoblast function. Additionally, lncRNAs like IGFBP1 and EGFR-AS1, along with protein-coding genes, impact trophoblast regulation and angiogenesis, influencing both preeclampsia and fetal growth. Besides aberrations in CD31+ cells, other potential biomarkers such as MMPs, soluble HLA-G, and hCG hold promise for predicting preeclampsia and its complications. Therapeutic interventions targeting factors such as peroxisome PPAR-γ and endothelin receptors show potential in mitigating preeclampsia-related complications. In conclusion, preeclampsia is a complex disorder with a multifactorial etiology and pathogenesis. Fetal microchimerism, hormones, complements, and cytokines contribute to placental and endothelial dysfunction with inflammation. Identifying novel biomarkers and therapeutic targets offers promise for early diagnosis and effective management, ultimately reducing maternal and fetal morbidity and mortality. However, further research is warranted to translate these findings into clinical practice and enhance outcomes for at-risk women.
Topics: Female; Humans; Pregnancy; Biomarkers; Hormones; MicroRNAs; Placenta; Pre-Eclampsia; Trophoblasts
PubMed: 38674114
DOI: 10.3390/ijms25084532 -
Frontiers in Medicine 2024Meta-analysis focusing on the role of first-trimester neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) in the prediction of preeclampsia.
OBJECTIVE
Meta-analysis focusing on the role of first-trimester neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) in the prediction of preeclampsia.
DATA SOURCES
PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, Cochrane Library, and Embase databases were queried from inception up to December 31, 2022.
STUDY ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA
The study included all types of original research that was conducted in humans and values of NLR were measured during the first trimester, among patients who later developed preeclampsia, compared to the values of control groups.
STUDY APPRAISAL AND SYNTHESIS METHODS
Two reviewers independently performed data abstraction and quality appraisal, and disagreements were resolved by consensus and, if necessary, by the opinion of a third reviewer. During the analysis, PRISMA and MOOSE guidelines were followed. All statistical analyses were made with .
RESULTS
For the research on the predictive role of NLR values in the first trimester for preeclampsia, a total of 6 studies were selected for analysis, covering 2,469 patients. The meta-analysis revealed a 95% confidence interval (CI) for the effect size of 0.641 to 1.523, with a prediction interval of 0.027 to 2.137.
CONCLUSION
Based on the analysis, NLR is a promising biochemical marker for future pieces of research that try to find new screening methods for first-trimester preeclampsia. We encourage other researchers to examine NLR's predictive value combined with other markers in preeclampsia screening, this way being able to find new and affordable protocols for first-trimester preeclampsia screening.
SYSTEMATIC REVIEW REGISTRATION
identifier CRD42023392663.
PubMed: 38633299
DOI: 10.3389/fmed.2024.1336764 -
Open Heart Apr 2024The primary concern for women who have experienced peripartum cardiomyopathy (PPCM) is the safety of a subsequent pregnancy (SSP). To maximie decision-making, facilitate... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
INTRODUCTION
The primary concern for women who have experienced peripartum cardiomyopathy (PPCM) is the safety of a subsequent pregnancy (SSP). To maximie decision-making, facilitate effective patient counselling, and ultimately improve maternal and fetal outcomes as a whole, it is critical to comprehend the outcomes of SSP in women who have previously experienced PPCM. This study aimed to evaluate the outcomes of SSP in women with PPCM.
METHODS
Three databases (PubMed, Scopus, and ScienceDirect) were used to identify relevant studies prior to 17 October 2023. A total of 662 studies were reviewed. Following the abstract and full-text screenings, 18 observational studies were included, out of which 2 were deemed suitable for inclusion in this meta-analysis. The quality assessment was conducted using the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale.
RESULTS
This study has a total of 487 SSPs. Although recovered left ventricular (LV) function before entering SSP has the potential to be a beneficial prognostic factor, recovered LV function still has a substantial risk of relapse. The mortality rate of PPCM in an SSP ranged from 0% to 55.5%. Persistent LV dysfunction was significantly associated with an increased mortality rate (OR 13.17; 95% CI 1.54 to 112.28; p=0.02) and lower LV ejection fraction (MD -12.88; 95% CI -21.67 to -4.09; p=0.004). Diastolic and right ventricular functions remained unchanged before SSP and at follow-up. The majority of the SSP was observed alongside hypertension, while pre-eclampsia emerged as the predominant hypertensive complication in most studies.
CONCLUSION
SSP increases the risk of relapse and mortality in women with a previous history of PPCM. Persistent LV dysfunction prior to the SSP has a higher mortality risk compared with recovered LV function. SSP was also associated with the worsening of LV echocardiography parameters.
Topics: Pregnancy; Humans; Female; Peripartum Period; Cardiomyopathies; Ventricular Function, Left; Ventricular Dysfunction, Left; Recurrence; Observational Studies as Topic
PubMed: 38569669
DOI: 10.1136/openhrt-2024-002626