Meta-analysis to Assess the Association of Lateral Location of Placenta on Ultrasound with Preeclampsia.

Abstract

Several studies have shown association between lateral placenta on ultrasound and preeclampsia (PE).This meta-analysis aims to review majority of the articles published between 1990 and 2020 and analyze the data extracted from them to find whether such an association really exists. To conduct a meta-analysis to determine the degree of the association of lateral placenta on ultrasound with preeclampsia. We searched electronic databases keeping filters for human studies and published in the English language, between the year 1990 and 2020. Studies were reviewed by reviewers and studies which were analytical in nature, having focused research question and where odds ratio could be derived were identified, and included in the metanalysis. Out of 16 included studies, 15 studies showed positive association (OR > 1) out of which 13 were statistically significant and only one study showed negative association. Eight studies showed extremely significant statistical positive association. The meta-analysis points toward positive association with OR 3.48 and Mantel-Haenszel Chi square 325.82 with relatively narrow 95% confidence interval around OR as 3.03-3.99 which clearly indicates a positive association between laterally placed placenta and preeclampsia. The findings of the individual studies in terms of OR and 95% confidence interval were plotted as individual line for each study, one aggregate estimate with summary OR and its 95% confidence interval was plotted on the Forest Plot. The Forest plot revealed association between lateral placenta on ultrasound and preeclampsia (PE).Hence it can be concluded that there is an association between lateral placenta on ultrasound and preeclampsia.