Stillbirth and Zika: A systematic review

This research study is part of our international program of work.

Background

In 2015, there were 2.6 million stillbirths, accounting for 4.4% of all global deaths. Despite this burden, global attention to stillbirths has been limited. Evidence has accumulated that Zika virus infection causes multiple adverse outcomes, possibly including fetal demise (stillbirths, miscarriages, abortions), but there has been limited reporting and analysis of these outcomes. We aimed to summarize available data on the fetal demise burden of Zika-affected pregnancies.

Methods

This was a quasi-systematic review. Proportions of fetal demise of completed Zika-affected pregnancies were calculated. Relative risk (RR) for fetal demise among completed, Zika-affected versus uninfected pregnancies were estimated from cohort data.

Conclusions

Available data on fetal demise associated with Zika virus infection is limited, especially in comparison to other outcomes such as microcephaly, yet there is evidence that fetal demise may be a significant burden of Zika virus infection. Studies of Zika infection outcomes should report on fetal demise.

Publication

Leisher SH, Balalian AA, Reinebrant H, Shiau S, Flenady V, Kuhn L, Morse SS. Systematic review: fetal death reporting and risk in Zika-affected pregnancies. Trop Med Int Health. 2021;26(2):133-45.