Association between preeclampsia and eclampsia in black women with endometriosis: a scoping review

BACKGROUND: Women with endometriosis are at increased risk of preeclampsia and eclampsia, leading causes of maternal mortality among Black women in the United States. Despite this, Black women are significantly underdiagnosed with endometriosis. This scoping review examines how peer-reviewed literature addresses the association between endometriosis and preeclampsia/eclampsia in Black women in the US. METHOD: A comprehensive literature search was conducted across nine databases and PROSPERO for original articles published from inception through March 2024. Eligible studies were required to be US-based, include reproductive-aged Black women (15-49 years) with laparoscopically confirmed endometriosis, and report outcomes of preeclampsia and/or eclampsia. RESULTS: The search identified 370 records; 19 full-text articles were reviewed. None met all inclusion criteria, primarily because most studies were conducted outside the US or lacked race-stratified outcomes. As a result, no eligible studies investigated the association between endometriosis and preeclampsia or eclampsia in Black women in the US. CONCLUSIONS: This review reveals a significant gap in research examining endometriosis in Black women and its association with adverse pregnancy outcomes, including preeclampsia and eclampsia. The findings emphasize the need for inclusive, race-conscious research to inform clinical care and reduce maternal health disparities.