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BMC Pregnancy and Childbirth Sep 2023There is a dearth of robust evidence regarding the correlation between psoriasis with maternal and neonatal outcomes, making it challenging to establish definitive... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
BACKGROUND
There is a dearth of robust evidence regarding the correlation between psoriasis with maternal and neonatal outcomes, making it challenging to establish definitive recommendations for the management of these patients. This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to review the evidence with regard to the impact of maternal psoriasis on maternal and neonatal outcomes.
METHODS
Following the PRISMA guideline, a systematic search of English articles using PubMed, Embase, Scopus, ScienceDirect, Web of Science, Google Scholar, and the Cochrane Library was conducted. The search was performed from inception to 22 of May 2022.
RESULT
A significant association was observed between psoriasis and maternal outcomes, including cesarean delivery [OR = 1.25 (95% CI: 1.13-1.30, p-value = 0.001)], (pre)eclampsia [OR = 1.29 (95% CI: 1.15-1.44, p-value = 0.0001)], gestational diabetes [Odds Ratio (OR) = 1.23 (95% Confidence Intervals (CI): 1.15-1.30, p-value = 0.001)], gestational hypertension [OR = 1.31 (95% CI: 1.18-1.45, p-value = 0.001)] and preterm birth [OR = 1.22 (95% CI: 1.10-1.35, p-value = 0.001)]. Also, there was a significant association between psoriasis and neonatal outcomes, including small for gestational age [OR = 1.07 (95% CI: 1.02-1.11, p-value = 0.053)], low birth weight [OR = 1.19 (95% CI: 1.02-1.38, p-value = 0.001)] and stillbirth [OR = 1.27 (95% CI: 1.04-1.55, p-value = 0.023)].
CONCLUSION
Maternal psoriasis could negatively impact maternal and neonatal outcomes. Our results strengthen the importance of close monitoring of the mothers' psoriasis status before and during pregnancy.
Topics: Pregnancy; Female; Infant, Newborn; Humans; Pregnancy Outcome; Premature Birth; Stillbirth; Diabetes, Gestational; Pre-Eclampsia
PubMed: 37777747
DOI: 10.1186/s12884-023-06006-5 -
Ontario Health Technology Assessment... 2023Pre-eclampsia is when high blood pressure develops after 20 weeks of pregnancy and either proteinuria, maternal end-organ dysfunction, or uteroplacental dysfunction...
BACKGROUND
Pre-eclampsia is when high blood pressure develops after 20 weeks of pregnancy and either proteinuria, maternal end-organ dysfunction, or uteroplacental dysfunction causing fetal growth restriction also develops. The Fetal Medicine Foundation has created an algorithm ("the FMF algorithm") that uses maternal factors in combination with biophysical and biochemical markers to identify people at high risk for pre-eclampsia so that they can been offered acetylsalicylic acid (Aspirin) as a preventive measure. We conducted a health technology assessment to evaluate the safety, effectiveness, and cost-effectiveness of a first-trimester population-wide screening program for pre-eclampsia risk that uses the FMF algorithm ("the FMF-based screening program"). We also evaluated the accuracy of the FMF algorithm, the budget impact of publicly funding the population-wide FMF-based screening program, and patient preferences and values.
METHODS
We performed a systematic literature search of the clinical evidence. We assessed the risk of bias of each study using the Risk of Bias in Non-randomized Studies-of Interventions tool and the Quality Assessment of Diagnostic Accuracy Studies-Comparative tool, and the quality of the body of evidence according to the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development, and Evaluation (GRADE) Working Group criteria. We performed a systematic economic literature search and conducted a cost-effectiveness analysis comparing the FMF-based screening program to standard care (screening for risk of pre-eclampsia using maternal factors alone) from a public payer perspective. We also analyzed the budget impact of publicly funding a population-wide FMF-based screening program in Ontario. We spoke with people who have experience with pregnancy and preeclampsia and their family members through direct interviews to gather preferences and values surrounding pre-eclampsia and the potential screening program.
RESULTS
We included nine studies in the clinical evidence review. The FMF-based screening program likely reduces the risk of pre-eclampsia with delivery at less than 37 weeks' gestation compared with standard care, when initiated at 11+ to 13+ weeks' gestation; risk ratios ranged from 0.64 (95% confidence interval [CI] 0.46-0.93) to 0.70 (95% CI 0.58-0.84) (GRADE: Moderate). It may reduce the risks of low birth weight (risk ratio 0.89 [95% CI 0.85-0.94]) and low Apgar score (risk ratio 0.73 [95% CI 0.63-0.85]) (GRADE: Low). Evidence on the effectiveness of the FMF-based screening program in reducing the risk of stillbirth and neonatal death was highly uncertain (GRADE: Very low). In addition, the FMF algorithm can improve the detection rate of pre-eclampsia with delivery at less than 37 weeks' gestation or at less than 34 weeks' gestation compared with conventional algorithms, although there are concerns about bias and applicability across studies. The population-wide FMF-based screening program is more effective and more costly than standard care. The incremental cost-effectiveness ratio of the population-wide FMF-based screening program compared with standard care is $3,446 per prevented case of pre-eclampsia with delivery at less than 37 weeks. The annual budget impact of publicly funding the population-wide FMF-based screening program in Ontario ranges from an additional $1.23 million in year 1 to $3.56 million in year 5, for a total of $8.50 million over the next 5 years. The population-wide FMF-based screening program was seen as valuable by those who have experienced pregnancy and their family members. Strong emphasis was placed on providing education and equitable access as part of any screening program, and participants valued the potential clinical benefits that the population-wide FMF-based screening program could provide.
CONCLUSIONS
The FMF-based screening program is likely more effective than standard care in reducing the risk of pre-eclampsia with delivery at less than 37 weeks' gestation. Also, the FMF algorithm can improve the detection rate of pre-eclampsia with delivery at less than 37 weeks' gestation or at less than 34 weeks' gestation when compared with conventional algorithms. The population-wide FMF-based screening program is more effective and more costly than standard care. We estimate that publicly funding the population-wide FMF-based screening program in Ontario would result in additional costs of $8.50 million over the next 5 years. Pregnant people and their family members valued the potential equitable access, information, and clinical benefits that the population-wide FMF-based screening program could provide.
Topics: Pregnancy; Infant, Newborn; Female; Humans; Pre-Eclampsia; Pregnancy Trimester, First; Technology Assessment, Biomedical; Hypertension; Cost-Effectiveness Analysis
PubMed: 37772268
DOI: No ID Found -
MedRxiv : the Preprint Server For... Sep 2023Telemedicine management of hypertension (TM-HTN) uses home blood pressure (BP) to guide pharmacotherapy and telemedicine-based self-management support (SMS). Optimal...
BACKGROUND
Telemedicine management of hypertension (TM-HTN) uses home blood pressure (BP) to guide pharmacotherapy and telemedicine-based self-management support (SMS). Optimal approach to implementing TM-HTN in the US is unknown.
METHODS
We conducted a systematic review and a meta-analysis to examine the effect of TM-HTN vs. usual clinic-based care on BP and assessed heterogeneity by patient- and clinician-related factors. We searched US-based randomized clinical trials among adults from Medline, Embase, CENTRAL, CINAHL, PsycInfo, and Compendex, Web of Science Core Collection, Scopus, and two trial registries to 7/7/2023. Two authors extracted, and a third author confirmed data. We used trial-level differences in systolic BP (SBP), diastolic BP (DBP) and BP control rate at ≥6 months using random-effects models. We examined heterogeneity of effect in univariable meta-regression and in pre-specified subgroups [clinicians leading pharmacotherapy (physician vs. non-physician), SMS (pharmacist vs. nurse), White vs. non-White patient predominant trials (>50% patients/trial), diabetes predominant trials (≥25% patients/trial) and in trials that have majority of both non-White patients and patients with diabetes vs. White patient predominant but not diabetes predominant trials.
RESULTS
Thirteen, 11 and 7 trials were eligible for SBP, DBP and BP control, respectively. Differences in SBP, DBP and BP control rate were -7.3 mmHg (95% CI: - 9.4, -5.2), -2.7 mmHg (-4.0, -1.5) and 10.1% (0.4%, 19.9%), respectively, favoring TM-HTN. More BP reduction occurred in trials with non-physician vs. physician led pharmacotherapy (9.3/4.0 mmHg vs. 4.9/1.1 mmHg, P<0.01 for both SBP/DBP), pharmacist vs. nurses provided SMS (9.3/4.1 mmHg vs. 5.6/1.0 mmHg, P=0.01 for SBP, P<0.01 for DBP), and White vs. non-White patient predominant trials (9.3/4.0 mmHg vs. 4.4/1.1 mmHg, P<0.01 for both SBP/DBP), with no difference by diabetes predominant trials. Lower BP reduction occurred in both diabetes and non-White patient predominant trials vs. White patient predominant but not diabetes predominant trials (4.5/0.9 mmHg vs. 9.5/4.2 mmHg, P<0.01 for both SBP/DBP).
CONCLUSIONS
TM-HTN is more effective than clinic-based care in the US, particularly when non-physician led pharmacotherapy and pharmacist provided SMS. Non-White patient predominant trials seemed to achieve lesser BP reduction. Equity conscious, locally informed adaptation of TM-HTN is needed before wider implementation.
CLINICAL PERSPECTIVE
In this systematic review and meta-analysis of US-based clinical trials, we found that telemedicine management of hypertension (TM-HTN) was more effective in reducing and controlling blood pressure (BP) compared with clinic based hypertension (HTN) care.The BP reduction was more evident when pharmacotherapy was led by non-physician compared with physicians and HTN self-management support was provided by clinical pharmacists compared with nurses,Non-White patient predominant trials achieved lesser BP reductions than White patient predominant trials. Before wider implementation of TM-HTN intervention in the US, locally informed adaptation, such as optimizing the team-based HTN care approach, can provide more effective BP control.Without equity focused tailoring, TM-HTN intervention implemented as such can exacerbate inequities in BP control among non-White patients in the US.
PubMed: 37745417
DOI: 10.1101/2023.09.14.23295587 -
BMC Cardiovascular Disorders Sep 2023The lifelong risks of cardiovascular disease following preeclampsia and gestational hypertension are well-established. However, it is unclear whether this evidence has...
BACKGROUND
The lifelong risks of cardiovascular disease following preeclampsia and gestational hypertension are well-established. However, it is unclear whether this evidence has been translated into clinical practice guidelines. Thus, this review aimed to assess the quality and content of Australian clinical practice guidelines regarding the risk of cardiovascular disease following gestational hypertension and preeclampsia.
METHODS
We conducted a systematic search of MEDLINE (Ovid), EMBASE (Ovid), and CINAHL databases, as well as hospital, obstetric society, and medical college websites. Publications were included if: they were a clinical practice guideline; were published in the previous ten years; and included recommendations for the management of future cardiovascular disease risk following hypertensive disorders of pregnancy. Quality assessment was performed using Appraisal of Guidelines for Research and Evaluation Instrument Version Two (AGREE-II) and AGREE Recommendations Excellence Instrument (AGREE-REX).
RESULTS
Eighteen guidelines were identified, and of these, less than half (n = 8) included recommendations for managing future cardiovascular risk following hypertensive disorders of pregnancy. Across these eight, four main counselling recommendations were found regarding (1) risk of future cardiovascular disease; (2) risk factor screening; (3) lifestyle interventions; and (4) prenatal counselling for future pregnancies. The quality and content of these recommendations varied significantly, and the majority of guidelines (87.5%) were assessed as low to moderate quality.
CONCLUSIONS
There are limited Australian clinical practice guidelines providing appropriate advice regarding future risk of cardiovascular disease following hypertensive disorders of pregnancy. The quality and content of these guidelines varied significantly. These findings highlight the need for improved translation from evidence-based research to enhance clinical care and guidance.
Topics: Pregnancy; Female; Humans; Cardiovascular Diseases; Hypertension, Pregnancy-Induced; Pre-Eclampsia; Australia; Databases, Factual
PubMed: 37689661
DOI: 10.1186/s12872-023-03446-x -
IJID Regions Sep 2023To determine the prevalence of long COVID, its most common symptoms, comorbidities, and pathophysiological mechanisms in African populations. (Review)
Review
OBJECTIVES
To determine the prevalence of long COVID, its most common symptoms, comorbidities, and pathophysiological mechanisms in African populations.
METHODS
A systematic review of long COVID in African populations was conducted. The random effects model was used to calculate the pooled prevalence rates (95% CI). A narrative synthesis was also performed.
RESULTS
We included 14 studies from seven African countries, totaling 6030 previously SARS-CoV-2 infected participants and 2954 long COVID patients. Long COVID had a pooled prevalence of 41% (26-56%). Fatigue, dyspnea, and confusion or lack of concentration were the most common symptoms, with prevalence rates (95% CI) of 41% (26-56%), 25% (12-38%), and 40% (12-68%), respectively. Long COVID was mainly associated with advanced age, being female, more than three long COVID symptoms in the acute phase, initial fatigue and dyspnea, COVID-19 severity, pre-existing obesity, hypertension, diabetes mellitus, and the presence of any chronic illness ( ≤0.05). High microclot and platelet-poor plasma viscosity explained the pathophysiology of long COVID.
CONCLUSION
Long COVID prevalence in Africa was comparable to the global prevalence. The most common symptoms were higher in Africa. Comorbidities associated with long COVID may lead to additional complications in African populations due to hypercoagulation and thrombosis.Systematic review registration: PROSPERO CRD42023430024.
PubMed: 37674565
DOI: 10.1016/j.ijregi.2023.08.004 -
Frontiers in Endocrinology 2023To investigate the effect of embryo stage at the time of transfer on obstetric and perinatal outcomes in programmed frozen-thawed embryo transfer (FET) versus natural... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
The influence of embryo stage on obstetric complications and perinatal outcomes following programmed compared to natural frozen-thawed embryo transfer cycles: a systematic review and meta-analysis.
OBJECTIVE
To investigate the effect of embryo stage at the time of transfer on obstetric and perinatal outcomes in programmed frozen-thawed embryo transfer (FET) versus natural FET cycles.
DESIGN
Systematic review and meta-analysis.
SETTING
Not applicable.
PATIENTS
Women with programmed frozen-thawed embryo transfer (FET) and natural FET.
INTERVENTIONS
The PubMed, MEDLINE, and EMBASE databases and the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CCRT) were searched from 1983 to October 2022. Twenty-three observational studies were included.
PRIMARY OUTCOME MEASURE
The primary outcomes were hypertensive disorders of pregnancy (HDPs), gestational hypertension and preeclampsia (PE). The secondary outcomes were gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM), placenta previa, postpartum haemorrhage (PPH), placental abruption, preterm premature rupture of membranes (PPROM), large for gestational age (LGA), small for gestational age (SGA), macrosomia, and preterm delivery (PTD).
RESULTS
The risk of HDP (14 studies, odds ratio (OR) 2.17; 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.95-2.41; P<0.00001; I = 43%), gestational hypertension (11 studies, OR 1.38; 95% CI 1.15-1.66; P=0.0006; I = 19%), PE (12 studies, OR 2.09; 95% CI 1.88-2.32; P<0.00001; I = 0%), GDM (20 studies, OR 1.09; 95% CI 1.02-1.17; P=0.02; I = 8%), LGA (18 studies, OR 1.11; 95% CI 1.07-1.15; P<0.00001; I = 46%), macrosomia (12 studies, OR 1.15; 95% CI 1.07-1.24; P=0.0002; I = 31%), PTD (22 studies, OR 1.21; 95% CI 1.15-1.27; P<0.00001; I = 49%), placenta previa (17 studies, OR 1.2; 95% CI 1.02-1.41; P=0.03; I = 11%), PPROM (9 studies, OR 1.19; 95% CI 1.02-1.39; P=0.02; I = 40%), and PPH (12 studies, OR 2.27; 95% CI 2.02-2.55; P <0.00001; I = 55%) were increased in programmed FET cycles versus natural FET cycles with overall embryo transfer. Blastocyst transfer had a higher risk of HDP (6 studies, OR 2.48; 95% CI 2.12-2.91; P<0.00001; I = 39%), gestational hypertension (5 studies, OR 1.87; 95% CI 1.27-2.75; P=0.002; I = 25%), PE (6 studies, OR 2.23; 95% CI 1.93-2.56; P<0.00001; I = 0%), GDM (10 studies, OR 1.13; 95% CI 1.04-1.23; P=0.005; I = 39%), LGA (6 studies, OR 1.14; 95% CI 1.07-1.21; P<0.0001; I = 9%), macrosomia (4 studies, OR 1.15; 95% CI 1.05-1.26; P<0.002; I = 68%), PTD (9 studies, OR 1.43; 95% CI 1.31-1.57; P<0.00001; I = 22%), PPH (6 studies, OR 1.92; 95% CI 1.46-2.51; P<0.00001; I = 55%), and PPROM (4 studies, OR 1.45; 95% CI 1.14-1.83; P=0.002; I = 46%) in programmed FET cycles than in natural FET cycles. Cleavage-stage embryo transfers revealed no difference in HDPs (1 study, OR 0.81; 95% CI 0.32-2.02; P=0.65; I not applicable), gestational hypertension (2 studies, OR 0.85; 95% CI 0.48-1.51; P=0.59; I = 0%), PE (1 study, OR 1.19; 95% CI 0.58-2.42; P=0.64; Inot applicable), GDM (3 study, OR 0.79; 95% CI 0.52-1.20; P=0.27; I = 21%), LGA (1 study, OR 1.15; 95% CI 0.62-2.11; P=0.66; Inot applicable), macrosomia (1 study, OR 1.22; 95% CI 0.54-2.77; P=0.64; I not applicable), PTD (2 studies, OR 1.05; 95% CI 0.74-1.49; P=0.79; I = 0%), PPH (1 study, OR 1.49; 95% CI 0.85-2.62; P=0.17; Inot applicable), or PPROM (2 studies, OR 0.74; 95% CI 0.46-1.21; P=0.23; I = 0%) between programmed FET cycles and natural FET cycles.
CONCLUSIONS
The risks of HDPs, gestational hypertension, PE, GDM, LGA, macrosomia, SGA, PTD, placenta previa, PPROM, and PPH were increased in programmed FET cycles versus natural FET cycles with overall embryo transfer and blastocyst transfer, but the risks were not clear for cleavage-stage embryo transfer.
Topics: Pregnancy; Infant, Newborn; Humans; Female; Hypertension, Pregnancy-Induced; Fetal Macrosomia; Placenta; Placenta Previa; Pre-Eclampsia; Diabetes, Gestational; Embryo Transfer
PubMed: 37664838
DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2023.1186068 -
Medicine Aug 2023This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to evaluate the clinical effectiveness of low-dose aspirin combined with calcium supplements for the prevention of... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
OBJECTIVE
This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to evaluate the clinical effectiveness of low-dose aspirin combined with calcium supplements for the prevention of preeclampsia.
METHODS
China National Knowledge Infrastructure, VIP, Wanfang, PubMed, EMBASE, and Cochrane Library databases were searched from inception until December 2022. Randomized controlled trials investigating the preventive use of aspirin in combination with calcium supplementation for preeclampsia in high-risk pregnant women were included. The quality of the literature was evaluated, and a meta-analysis was conducted using RevMan 5.3 software to analyze the clinical efficacy of low-dose aspirin combined with calcium supplementation in preventing preeclampsia.
RESULTS
Seven randomized controlled trials were included in this meta-analysis, and compared with the control group, the experimental group had lower incidence rates of preeclampsia with gestational hypertension (odds ratios [OR]: 0.17, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.11-0.28), preeclampsia (OR: 0.20, 95% CI: 0.10-0.37), gestational hypertension (OR: 0.15, 95% CI: 0.07-0.31), preterm birth (OR: 0.26, 95% CI: 0.16-0.44), postpartum hemorrhage (OR: 0.15, 95% CI: 0.08-0.27), and fetal growth restriction (OR: 0.16, 95% CI: 0.08-0.33).
CONCLUSION
Compared with aspirin alone, low-dose aspirin combined with calcium supplementation was more effective in preventing preeclampsia, reduced the risk of preterm birth and postpartum hemorrhage, and promoted fetal growth. This intervention has clinical value and should be considered for high-risk pregnant women.
Topics: Infant, Newborn; Pregnancy; Female; Humans; Calcium; Pre-Eclampsia; Hypertension, Pregnancy-Induced; Postpartum Hemorrhage; Premature Birth; Calcium, Dietary; Aspirin; Treatment Outcome; Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic
PubMed: 37653760
DOI: 10.1097/MD.0000000000034620 -
Clinical Hypertension Sep 2023In patients with end-stage renal disease (ESRD) undergoing dialysis, hypertension is common but often inadequately controlled. The prevalence of hypertension varies... (Review)
Review
In patients with end-stage renal disease (ESRD) undergoing dialysis, hypertension is common but often inadequately controlled. The prevalence of hypertension varies widely among studies because of differences in the definition of hypertension and the methods of used to measure blood pressure (BP), i.e., peri-dialysis or ambulatory BP monitoring (ABPM). Recently, ABPM has become the gold standard for diagnosing hypertension in dialysis patients. Home BP monitoring can also be a good alternative to ABPM, emphasizing BP measurement outside the hemodialysis (HD) unit. One thing for sure is pre- and post-dialysis BP measurements should not be used alone to diagnose and manage hypertension in dialysis patients. The exact target of BP and the relationship between BP and all-cause mortality or cause-specific mortality are unclear in this population. Many observational studies with HD cohorts have almost universally reported a U-shaped or even an L-shaped association between BP and all-cause mortality, but most of these data are based on the BP measured in HD units. Some data with ABPM have shown a linear association between BP and mortality even in HD patients, similar to the general population. Supporting this, the results of meta-analysis have shown a clear benefit of BP reduction in HD patients. Therefore, further research is needed to determine the optimal target BP in the dialysis population, and for now, an individualized approach is appropriate, with particular emphasis on avoiding excessively low BP. Maintaining euvolemia is of paramount importance for BP control in dialysis patients. Patient heterogeneity and the lack of comparative evidence preclude the recommendation of one class of medication over another for all patients. Recently, however, β-blockers could be considered as a first-line therapy in dialysis patients, as they can reduce sympathetic overactivity and left ventricular hypertrophy, which contribute to the high incidence of arrhythmias and sudden cardiac death. Several studies with mineralocorticoid receptor antagonists have also reported promising results in reducing mortality in dialysis patients. However, safety issues such as hyperkalemia or hypotension should be further evaluated before their use.
PubMed: 37653470
DOI: 10.1186/s40885-023-00240-x -
Bulletin of the World Health... Sep 2023To estimate the prevalence of individual chronic conditions and multimorbidity among adults admitted to hospital in countries in sub-Saharan Africa. (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
OBJECTIVE
To estimate the prevalence of individual chronic conditions and multimorbidity among adults admitted to hospital in countries in sub-Saharan Africa.
METHODS
We systematically searched MEDLINE®, Embase®, Global Index Medicus, Global Health and SciELO for publications reporting on patient cohorts recruited between 1 January 2010 and 12 May 2023. We included articles reporting prevalence of pre-specified chronic diseases within unselected acute care services (emergency departments or medical inpatient settings). No language restrictions were applied. We generated prevalence estimates using random-effects meta-analysis alongside 95% confidence intervals, 95% prediction intervals and statistics for heterogeneity. To explore associations with age, sex, country-level income status, geographical region and risk of bias, we conducted pre-specified meta-regression, sub-group and sensitivity analyses.
FINDINGS
Of 6976 identified studies, 61 met the inclusion criteria, comprising data from 20 countries and 376 676 people. None directly reported multimorbidity, but instead reported prevalence for individual conditions. Among medical admissions, the highest prevalence was human immunodeficiency virus infection (36.4%; 95% CI: 31.3-41.8); hypertension (24.4%; 95% CI: 16.7-34.2); diabetes (11.9%; 95% CI: 9.9-14.3); heart failure (8.2%; 95% CI: 5.6-11.9); chronic kidney disease (7.7%; 95% CI: 3.9-14.7); and stroke (6.8%; 95% CI: 4.7-9.6).
CONCLUSION
Among patients seeking hospital care in sub-Saharan Africa, multimorbidity remains poorly described despite high burdens of individual chronic diseases. Prospective public health studies of multimorbidity burden are needed to generate integrated and context-specific health system interventions that act to maximize patient survival and well-being.
Topics: Adult; Humans; Africa South of the Sahara; Chronic Disease; Hospitals; Patients; Prospective Studies; Delivery of Health Care
PubMed: 37638357
DOI: 10.2471/BLT.22.289597 -
European Journal of Preventive... Jan 2024Hypertensive pregnancy is associated with increased risks of developing a range of vascular disorders in later life. Understanding when hypertensive target organ damage...
AIMS
Hypertensive pregnancy is associated with increased risks of developing a range of vascular disorders in later life. Understanding when hypertensive target organ damage first emerges could guide optimal timing of preventive interventions. This review identifies evidence of hypertensive target organ damage across cardiac, vascular, cerebral, and renal systems at different time points from pregnancy to postpartum.
METHODS AND RESULTS
Systematic review of Ovid/MEDLINE, EMBASE, and ClinicalTrials.gov up to and including February 2023 including review of reference lists. Identified articles underwent evaluation via a synthesis without meta-analysis using a vote-counting approach based on direction of effect, regardless of statistical significance. Risk of bias was assessed for each outcome domain, and only higher quality studies were used for final analysis. From 7644 articles, 76 studies, including data from 1 742 698 pregnancies, were identified of high quality that reported either blood pressure trajectories or target organ damage during or after a hypertensive pregnancy. Left ventricular hypertrophy, white matter lesions, proteinuria, and retinal microvasculature changes were first evident in women during a hypertensive pregnancy. Cardiac, cerebral, and retinal changes were also reported in studies performed during the early and late post-partum period despite reduction in blood pressure early postpartum. Cognitive dysfunction was first reported late postpartum.
CONCLUSION
The majority of target organ damage reported during a hypertensive pregnancy remains evident throughout the early and late post-partum period despite variation in blood pressure. Early peri-partum strategies may be required to prevent or reverse target organ damage in women who have had a hypertensive pregnancy.
Topics: Female; Humans; Pregnancy; Postpartum Period; Hypertension, Pregnancy-Induced; Pregnancy Complications, Cardiovascular; Time Factors
PubMed: 37607255
DOI: 10.1093/eurjpc/zwad275