# Preeclampsia in Saudi Arabia: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Prevalence, Risk Factors, Awareness, and Outcomes

## TL;DR

This study reviews preeclampsia in Saudi Arabia, finding a 4.8% prevalence, low awareness, and risk factors like lead and nutrient deficiencies.

## Contribution

The study provides a comprehensive meta-analysis of preeclampsia prevalence and risk factors specific to Saudi Arabia.

## Key findings

- Preeclampsia prevalence in Saudi Arabia is 4.80%, with higher rates in cross-sectional studies.
- Only 27% of women are aware of preeclampsia, and risk factors include lead, immunoglobulin A nephropathy, and nutrient deficiencies.
- Adverse outcomes include maternal syndrome and fetal risks like stillbirth and intrauterine growth restriction.

## Abstract

This systematic review aimed to evaluate the prevalence, awareness, risk factors, and outcomes of preeclampsia among women in Saudi Arabia.In accordance with the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines, we searched PubMed, Web of Science, and Cochrane databases, focusing on studies published between 1999 and 2024. We included observational studies conducted in Saudi Arabia reporting the risk factors, prevalence, and outcomes of preeclampsia.Overall, 21 studies were included in the analysis, of which 15 analyzed prevalence. The prevalence of preeclampsia in Saudi Arabia was 4.80%, with higher rates reported in cross-sectional studies (9.52%). Only 27% of women demonstrated preeclampsia awareness, and the key identified risk factors included serum lead, immunoglobulin A nephropathy, and calcium, magnesium, and zinc deficiencies. Adverse maternal outcomes included hemolysis, elevated liver enzymes, and low platelet syndrome and eclamptic seizures, whereas fetuses faced significant risks, including stillbirth, prematurity, and intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR).Preeclampsia poses a significant health burden in Saudi Arabia, which is compounded by limited public awareness and critical risk factors. These findings underscore the urgent need for improved preeclampsia screening and education in expectant mothers. Enhanced antenatal care and public health initiatives targeting preeclampsia awareness may improve maternal and fetal outcomes and reduce the long-term health burdens associated with this condition.