Ethnic disparities in the prevalence of pre-eclampsia and their consequences on maternal and neonatal morbidity in the short and longterm

Abstract

This literature review examines ethnic disparities in pre-eclampsia prevalence and outcomes focusing on groups at higher risk. Analysis of U.S. National Inpatient Sample data from 177,000 deliveries showed pre-eclampsia in 4.7% of cases, with the highest rates among Black and Hispanic women and the lowest among American Indian women. A study from Southwest Nigeria comparing 89 pre-eclamptic and normotensive pregnancies found that pre-eclampsia was linked to higher blood pressures, increased Caesarean section rates and greater maternal and neonatal mortality. Affected pregnancies also had lower gestational ages, lower birth and placental weights and reduced APGAR scores. The review concludes that Black women face both higher prevalence and more severe maternal and neonatal consequences including microalbuminuria and adverse birth outcomes. These findings underscore the need to address contributing factors through targeted interventions and further research.