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Review
. 2022 Apr;24(4):87-93.
doi: 10.1007/s11906-022-01172-x. Epub 2022 Mar 7.

Racial Disparities in Diagnosis, Management, and Outcomes in Preeclampsia

Sunitha Suresh  1 , Courtney Amegashie  2 , Easha Patel  1 , Kristin M Nieman  1 , Sarosh Rana  3
Affiliations
Review

Racial Disparities in Diagnosis, Management, and Outcomes in Preeclampsia

Sunitha Suresh et al. Curr Hypertens Rep. 2022 Apr.

Abstract

Purpose of the review: Racial disparities are prevalent in many aspects of obstetric care in the USA. Non-Hispanic black women have a higher prevalence of the diagnosis of hypertensive disorders of pregnancy in addition to associated morbidity and mortality. The purpose of this review is to review current data regarding racial disparities in the diagnosis and management of hypertensive disorders of pregnancy.

Recent findings: Diagnosis of hypertensive disorders of pregnancy is more common among non-Hispanic black women even after adjustment for comorbidities. Furthermore, prevalence of severe morbidity among those with hypertensive disorders of pregnancy is increased in non-Hispanic black women, including cardiovascular events related. Proposed management solutions include quality improvement initiatives, telehealth, and strategies to reduce both structural racism and implicit bias. Racial disparities exist in both diagnosis and management of hypertensive disorders of pregnancy; further innovative work is needed to reduce these disparities.

Keywords: Hypertension in pregnancy; Preeclampsia; Racial disparities.

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References

Papers of particular interest, published recently, have been highlighted as: • Of importance •• Of major importance
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    1. • Geller SE, Garland CE, Horne AA. Statewide severe maternal morbidity review in Illinois. Obstet Gynecol. 2021;137(1):41-8. Used Illinois hospital level severe maternal morbidity review and found increase in severe maternal morbidity among black women, with opportunities to improve at the level of health care professional factors.
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