Systematic review and meta-analysis of the relationship between placental malaria and preeclampsia
Systematic review and meta-analysis of the relationship between placental malaria and preeclampsia
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Project Site Location
Accra Ghana/Chicago IL
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Partner Organization(s)
University of Ghana, Korle Bu Teaching Hospital
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UIC CGH Faculty Contact
Sarah Boudova
Project/Activity Summary
Placental malaria (PM) results from the sequestration of Plasmodium falciparum–infected erythrocytes in the placental intervillous spaces, causing local inflammation, fibrin deposition, and impaired placental perfusion. Preeclampsia (PE), a pregnancy-specific hypertensive disorder, also originates from abnormal placentation leading to placental ischemia, oxidative stress, and systemic endothelial dysfunction. Both PM and PE are highly prevalent in malaria-endemic regions and contribute significantly to maternal and perinatal morbidity and mortality.
Biologically, the two conditions share overlapping pathways: angiogenic imbalance, immune activation, and endothelial injury, suggesting that placental malaria may trigger or exacerbate preeclampsia. However, epidemiological evidence remains inconsistent. Some studies report that PM increases the risk of PE, while others show no association or even possible protection in women with partial malaria immunity. These inconsistencies may reflect differences in study design, diagnostic criteria, timing of infection, and regional transmission intensity.
Given the burden of both conditions and the uncertainty in existing findings, this systematic review and meta-analysis aim to synthesize available data to clarify the association between placental malaria and preeclampsia. Establishing this relationship will improve understanding of shared pathophysiological mechanisms and inform preventive and clinical strategies for women in malaria-endemic settings.