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Asthma Control During Pregnancy and Adverse Perinatal Outcomes: A Systematic Review
Emilie Johanne Vedtofte Haastrup1, Esther Bay Smedegaard1, Anne Vejen Hansen1
1Respiratory Research Unit Hvidovre (REAC-H), Department of Respiratory Medicine, Copenhagen University Hospital-Hvidovre, Hvidovre, Denmark.
Maternal asthma itself does not increase pregnancy complication risks, except for small for gestational age (SGA). However, uncontrolled asthma or exacerbations during pregnancy elevate the risk of pre-eclampsia.
Area of Science:
- Obstetrics and Gynecology
- Pulmonology
- Perinatal Medicine
Background:
- Poorly controlled maternal asthma during pregnancy is linked to adverse pregnancy outcomes.
- Key pregnancy complications include pre-eclampsia, low birth weight (LBW), pre-term birth, and small for gestational age (SGA).
Purpose of the Study:
- To review current knowledge on the association between asthma control during pregnancy and pregnancy complications.
- To update understanding of risks for pre-eclampsia, LBW, pre-term birth, and SGA.
Main Methods:
- Systematic review conducted following Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines.
- Inclusion of 14 studies meeting predefined criteria.
Main Results:
- Maternal asthma is associated with increased risk of SGA; associations with pre-eclampsia, LBW, and pre-term birth were contradictory.
- Asthma exacerbations and uncontrolled asthma during pregnancy are linked to increased pre-eclampsia risk.
- No consistent association found between asthma exacerbations and increased risk of LBW, pre-term birth, or SGA.
Conclusions:
- Maternal asthma itself is not linked to higher risks of most pregnancy complications, except for SGA.
- Uncontrolled asthma and asthma exacerbations during pregnancy significantly increase the risk of pre-eclampsia.
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