Nutritional Advice El Mondo
Objectives:
Pregnancy-associated malaria (PAM) has been associated with adverse pregnancy outcomes like preterm birth (PTB) and low birth weight (LBW), which are among the leading causes of infant mortality globally. Rates of preterm birth and low birth weight are high in countries with a high burden of malaria. Pregnancy-associated malaria may be a contributing factor to preterm birth and low birth weight, but is not well understood. Therefore, this review article has been conducted.
Does pregnancy-associated malaria increase risk of preterm birth and low birth weight?
Study design:
This review article included 18 studies (8 studies examined associations between pregnancy-associated malaria and preterm birth and 10 examined associations between pregnancy-associated malaria and low birth weight).
The population size ranged from 35 to 9,956 women.
Results and conclusions:
The investigators found when compared with women without pregnancy-associated malaria, pregnancy-associated malaria significantly increased risk of low birth weight with 63% [95% CI = 1.48-1.80].
The investigators found when compared with women without pregnancy-associated malaria, pregnancy-associated malaria significantly increased risk of preterm birth with 23% [95% CI = 1.07-1.41].
The investigators concluded pregnancy-associated malaria increases risk of preterm birth and low birth weight. Further understanding of the pathogenesis of disease and the immunologic changes that occur during pregnancy is essential for reducing the disproportional effects this disease has on this vulnerable population.
Original title:
Relationship Between Pregnancy-Associated Malaria and Adverse Pregnancy Outcomes: a Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis by Thompson JM, Eick SM, […], Welton M.
Link:
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/31598714
Additional information of El Mondo:
Find more information/studies on malaria, pregnancy and food fortification/malnutrition right here.