Association between hypertensive disorders of pregnancy and the development of offspring mental and behavioural problems: A systematic review and meta-analysis

Hypertensive disorders of pregnancy are a major cause of maternal and offspring morbidity and mortality worldwide. However, its effect on offspring mental and behavioural disorders is unclear. The aim of this study is to provide the best scientific evidence on the association between hypertensive disorders of pregnancy and offspring mental and behavioural problems. We systematically searched Scopus, PubMed, Cochrane, EMBASE, CINAH and PsycINFO databases. A total of 23 studies (11 included in meta-analysis) were identified. Of the 23 studies included in this review, 15 studies found that hypertensive disorders of pregnancy had a negative impact for at least one mental or behavioural disorder. The pooled effect of 11 studies included in the meta-analysis showed that preeclampsia was associated with increased risk of offspring schizophrenia. However, we found inconclusive finding on the effect of hypertensive disorders of pregnancy and other mental and behavioural disorders. Further high quality, large sample, birth cohort studies are needed to further progress this area of research.