Systematic review of areca (betel nut) use and adverse pregnancy outcomes

Abstract

Background: Betel nut is the fourth most commonly abused substance worldwide and has been associated with significant adverse health outcomes. Little is known about its effects on the fetus. Objective: To perform a systematic review of studies investigating prenatal betel nut use and adverse perinatal outcomes. Search strategy: Pubmed, Embase, and Cochrane databases were searched from inception until July 2018 using the terms areca, betel nut, pregnancy, pregnancy complications, and infection. Selection criteria: Eligible studies included case–control, cohort, and randomized control studies involving pregnant women. Data collection and analysis: Where appropriate, bivariate meta-analysis was..