Relationship Between Pregnancy-Associated Malaria and Adverse Pregnancy Outcomes: a Systematic Review and...

Area of Science:

• Global health
• Infectious diseases
• Maternal-fetal medicine

Background:

• Pregnancy-associated malaria (PAM) is linked to adverse outcomes like preterm birth (PTB) and low birthweight (LBW).
• High rates of PTB and LBW in malaria-endemic regions suggest PAM's potential contribution.
• The exact relationship between PAM and these adverse outcomes requires further investigation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To systematically review and meta-analyze existing studies on the association between PAM and PTB or LBW.
• To quantify the risk of PTB and LBW in pregnant individuals with PAM.

Main Methods:

• Systematic review and meta-analysis of studies retrieved from PubMed.
• Screening of 2237 articles, with 18 studies meeting inclusion criteria.
• Abstraction of data on study characteristics and birth outcomes (PTB, LBW) for women with and without PAM.

Main Results:

• Eight studies investigated PAM and PTB; 10 studies examined PAM and LBW.
• Women with PAM had a 63% higher risk of LBW (95% CI = 1.48-1.80).
• Women with PAM had a 23% higher risk of PTB (95% CI = 1.07-1.41).

Conclusions:

• PAM infection is significantly associated with increased risks of PTB and LBW.
• Further research into PAM's pathogenesis and pregnancy-related immunologic changes is crucial.
• Interventions are needed to mitigate the disproportionate impact of PAM on pregnant individuals and their infants.