Probiotics in the overweight or obese pregnant women: systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trial

Article type
Authors
Chu X1, Zhang N1, Feng L1, Yan P2, Yang K1
1Lanzhou University
2Institute of Clinical Research and Evidence-Based Medicine, Gansu Provincial Hospital
Abstract
Background:Gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) is associated with increased risks of complications during pregnancy and delivery. Overweight and obese pregnant women are under the higher risk of GDM. The approach of probiotics to prevent GDM among overweight and obese pregnant women has not reach a unified conclusion.

Objectives:The objective of this systematic review and meta-analysis is to assess the current latest evidence on the probiotics for the overweight and obese pregnant women as comprehensive as possible.

Methods:The Cochrane Library, EMBASE, PubMed and Web of science were searched from the earliest publication date available to September 23, 2019. We included randomized controlled trials comparing probiotics with other interventions in overweight and obese pregnant women. We also screened the reference lists of relevant reviews and meta-analysis. No language restrictions were applied. Two authors independently included studies, extracted data, and assessed risk of bias. The weighted mean difference (WMD) is used as the effect size for the continuous variables. Summary risk ratios (RR) with 95% confidence intervals (CI)were presented if the results were binary variables.

Results:A total of five studies with 1048 overweight or obese pregnant women were included in this meta-analysis, 519 in probiotics intervention groups, 529 in placebo control groups. Meta-analysis showed the occurrence of GDM did not differ significantly between the probiotics and control groups (RR=1.03; 95%CI, 0.81–1.30). On the contrary, The fixed effects analysis showed a significant reduction on the incidence of preeclampsia in control groups (RR=1.91; 95%CI, 1.03–3.55).

Conclusions:Probiotics may be not a promising diet supplementation to prevent GDM. More data about the effects of probiotics supplementation on primary, maternal and birth outcomes were needed.

Patient or healthcare consumer involvement: No