The Risk of Ventricular Septal Defects Associated With Prenatal Marijuana Exposure: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Abstract

With the recent legalization of marijuana across the United States, its usage in pregnant women has increased. The aim of this meta-analysis was to determine if prenatal marijuana use increases the likelihood of ventricular septal defects. The analysis was performed in accordance with the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) statement. The search strategy identified 4 case–control studies that were ultimately included in the analysis with a combined 381,621 infant records. Quantitative analysis demonstrated prenatal marijuana usage significantly increases the likelihood of ventricular septal defects (odds ratio = 2.39, 95% confidence interval = 1.11–5.18).