Placenta-mediated Pregnancy Complications and Their Association With Maternal Cardiovascular Disease Risk Factors Postpartum: A Systematic Review.
Sophie-Anne Gagné, Erika Mery, Eden Clark-Campbell et al.
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In 30 seconds
This systematic review synthesized observational evidence on postpartum cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk factors among women with a history of placenta-mediated pregnancy complications, including preeclampsia, gestational diabetes, and other specified complications. Of 11,289 articles screened, 114 studies met inclusion criteria, predominantly cohort studies. Across the included studies, all complication types were associated with increased postpartum CVD risk markers at various intervals after birth. At least one study for each complication type reported suboptimal systolic blood pressure, body mass index, and total cholesterol.
Key findings
- Of 11,289 articles screened, 114 studies met inclusion criteria; most were cohort studies.
- Postpartum risk-factor assessments ranged from 1.4 months to 35 years after birth.
- All placenta-mediated complication types showed increased CVD risk markers at various postpartum intervals.
- At least one study per complication type reported suboptimal systolic blood pressure, body mass index, and total cholesterol.
Why it matters
The review indicates that elevated CVD risk markers after placenta-mediated pregnancy complications are not confined to one complication type or postpartum interval. Recognizing obstetric history as relevant to later cardiovascular risk assessment may help identify women whose risk factors warrant attention, while the varied timing and evidence across complications underscore the need for better-defined screening approaches.
What to keep in mind
The evidence was predominantly observational, and the timing of postpartum assessments varied widely. Most studies examined preeclampsia and gestational diabetes, with fewer assessing several other complications independently.