ABSTRACT
Background: Congenital heart defects [CHDs] are significant drivers of mortality and morbidity in children, folic acid supplementation for the pregnant month during or before delivery is said to influence risk reduction of congenital heart defects [CHDs]. However, there are controversial claims and the hypothesis is concluded from limited epidemiologic studies
Aim of the Study: Conduct a systematic review and meta-analysis of published studies to reliably evaluate the correlation between Folic acid or multivitamins containing FA supplementation taken during pregnancy and the risk of CHDs
Methods: A systematic review and meta-analysis was conducted. PUBMED and EMBASE were searched to identify prospective cohort and case-control studies that had reported on the association between 1960 and 2017. Studies conducted in primarily high-risk populations [Case control and cohort studies] while participants in randomized controlled trials were excluded
Results: The search yielded 10 studies published between 2000 and 2013 enrolling 13126 female participants. These studies included only one cohort study, and nine case-control studies. The overall results of this meta-analysis provide evidence that maternal folate supplementation is associated with a significantly decreased risk of CHDs [RR = 0.69, 95% CI: 0.54-0.84]. Statistically significant heterogeneity was detected [Q = 79.43, P < 0.001, I2 = 70.2%]
Conclusion: FA supplementation during pregnancy significantly decreases the risk of CHDs in newborns