Meta-analysis for comparison of rate of preeclampsia in white and
other racial groups.
The prevalence of PE for each study, weighted pooled data and
heterogeneity between studies are provided in Figures 2, S2 and S3. In
the meta-analysis of the combined data from 16 studies in the literature
and the FMF study the RR for PE in black women, compared to white women
was 1.68 (95% CI 1.48, 1.92), but the heterogeneity of the studies was
98% (Figure 2). Publication bias was graphically assessed in Figure S4.
The funnel plot showed no obvious asymmetry, but small studies are
likely not published.
In the combined data from eight studies, the incidence of PE in women of
South Asian racial origin, compared to white women, was not
significantly different (RR 1.08, 95% CI 0.97, 1.21); the heterogeneity
between studies was 30% (Figure S2). In the combined data from six
studies, the incidence of PE in women of East Asian origin, compared to
white women, was lower (RR 0.71, 95% CI 0.56, 0.89); the heterogeneity
between studies was 64% (Figure S3).
Only three previous studies provided adjusted ORs and the results of the
combined meta-analysis from these four studies and our study are shown
in Figures 3, S5 and S6. In black, compared to white women, the adjusted
OR for PE was 1.90 (95% CI 1.61, 2.23). In women of South Asian racial
origin, compared to white women, the adjusted OR for PE was 1.28 (95%
CI 1.19, 1.38). In women of East Asian racial origin, there was no
significant difference from white women in the incidence PE, after
adjustment for confounding factors.