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.