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Open Access 01-10-2018 | Maternal-Fetal Medicine

Supplementation of folic acid in pregnancy and the risk of preeclampsia and gestational hypertension: a meta-analysis

Published in: Archives of Gynecology and Obstetrics | Issue 4/2018

Abstract

Objectives

We aimed to systematically assess the relationship between folic acid supplementation in pregnancy and risk of preeclampsia and gestational hypertension.

Methods

The relevant studies were included by retrieving the Embase, PubMed and Cochrane library databases. Data extraction was conducted by two investigators independently. The risk ratio (RR) and 95% confidence interval (CI) were used as effect indexes to evaluate the relationship between folic acid supplementation and risk of gestational hypertension or preeclampsia. A subgroup analysis was performed according to the supplementation patterns of folic acid. The homogeneity of the effect size was tested across the studies, and publication biases were examined.

Results

In total, 13 cohort studies and 1 randomized controlled trial study was included, containing 160,562 and 149,320 women with and without folic acid supplementation during pregnancy. Pooled results showed that risk of gestational hypertension was not associated with the supplementation of folic acid. However, folic acid supplementation during pregnancy could significantly reduce the risk of preeclampsia. Moreover, the results of subgroup analysis showed that the decreased preeclampsia risk was associated with supplementation of multivitamins containing folic acid rather than folic acid alone.

Conclusions

Our findings indicate that the supplementation of multivitamins containing folic acid during pregnancy could significantly lower preeclampsia risk.

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Title: Supplementation of folic acid in pregnancy and the risk of preeclampsia and gestational hypertension: a meta-analysis
Publication date: 01-10-2018
Published in: Archives of Gynecology and Obstetrics / Issue 4/2018
Print ISSN: 0932-0067
Electronic ISSN: 1432-0711
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00404-018-4823-4

At a glance: The ONWARDS insulin icodec trials

Springer Medicine

Supplementation of folic acid in pregnancy and the risk of preeclampsia and gestational hypertension: a meta-analysis

Abstract

Objectives

Methods

Results

Conclusions

At a glance: The ONWARDS insulin icodec trials

Springer Medicine

Abstract

Objectives

Methods

Results

Conclusions

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