Systematic review and meta-analysis on influence of human papillomavirus infection during pregnancy on premature rupture of membranes and premature delivery.

BACKGROUND

The increasing infection rate of human papillomavirus (HPV) has resulted in various complex pregnancy-related complications in recent years. HPV can directly pass through the placenta to cause intrauterine infection, leading to premature delivery or the premature rupture of membranes (PROM).

METHODS

English databases were searched for randomized control trials (RCTs) on HPV infection and premature delivery and PROM, including PubMed, Medline, Embase, and Cochrane Central Register. The search time was from inception to March 1st 2021, with human papillomavirus, rupture, pregnancy, preterm birth, viral infection, and pregnancy complications as search terms. RevMan5.3 provided by the Cochrane Collaboration was used to perform bias risk assessment.

RESULTS

A total of 7 studies were identified, involving 45,603 patients, including 22,799 cases in the control group, and 22,799 cases in an HPV infection group. The odds ratio (OR) and 95% confidence interval (95% CI) were used to express the results. HPV infection increased the probability of premature delivery (OR =1.81, 95% CI: 1.25-2.62, Z=3.16, P=0.002) and PROM (OR =1.74, 95% CI: 1.45-2.10, Z=5.84, P<0.00001). The P values were all less than 0.05, and the difference was statistically significant.

DISCUSSION

A total of 7 articles were included in this meta-analysis. HPV infection affects the physiology of pregnant women and may lead to PROM and premature delivery.