The risk of preterm birth in women with uterine fibroids: A systematic review and meta-analysis

Abstract

Background Fibroids have been identified as a possible risk factor for preterm birth, however, the magnitude of this risk is unclear. Our objective was to determine the risk of total, spontaneous, and medically indicated preterm birth in women with fibroids. Methods A literature search was performed on 9 June 2021. We selected studies reporting on preterm birth in women with and without fibroids. Fibroids had to be diagnosed by routine ultrasound before or during pregnancy. Main outcomes were total preterm birth Main results The search yielded 2078 unique articles of which 11 were included. Meta-analysis for preterm birth Conclusions Our results suggest fibroids are associated with an increased risk of preterm birth, with a stronger risk at earlier gestational ages. We encourage further research to clarify the association between fibroids and preterm birth by systematic myometrial assessment in pregnancy. Registration Prospero database [CRD42020186976].