Placenta previa and the risk of respiratory distress syndrome: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Background This meta-analysis is the first to examine the association between placenta previa (PP) and the risk of respiratory distress syndrome (RDS). Methods We searched three major electronic databases until 10, February 2023. We utilized a random-effects model to apply the findings, and an assessment of heterogeneity was conducted. For assessing the quality of included studies, the Newcastle-Ottawa scale (NOS) was used. All statistical analyses were performed at a significance level of 0.05 using Stata software, version 13. Results In total, 8 records were included with 22,645 sample populations from 7 countries. Based on the crude form, the estimated odd ratio (OR) of the risk of RDS associated with PP was (OR = 2.40, 95% CI = 1.85 to 2.96), however, based on adjusted studies there was no association between the risk of RDS with PP (OR = 1.0, 95% CI = 0.86 to 1.13). The analysis revealed low heterogeneity among the reported studies, both in adjusted (I 2 = 16.0%, P = 0.311) and crude forms (I 2 = 23.8%, P = 0.239). Conclusion The findings from our study indicate that PP does not pose an elevated risk of RDS when considering adjusted factors. The analysis revealed low heterogeneity among the reported studies, both in adjusted and crude forms.