Association Between Low-Dose Aspirin and Development of Gestational Diabetes: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Abstract

ObjectiveTo evaluate the association between the use of low-dose aspirin for preeclampsia prophylaxis and risks of gestational diabetes (primary outcome), neonatal hypoglycemia, macrosomia, large for gestational age, birth trauma, and shoulder dystocia (secondary outcomes). Data SourcesWe searched Ovid MEDLINE, Embase, CINAHL, and Cochrane/CENTRAL for studies published between January 1, 1989, and April 24, 2021. Study SelectionRandomized controlled trials (RCTs) or cohort studies of any size conducted in any setting were included. Data Extraction and SynthesisWe assessed risk of bias using the Cochrane Risk of Bias tool 2.0 (for RCTs) and the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale (for cohort studies). We meta-analyzed relative risks (RRs) using random-effects models. ConclusionsOur search retrieved 4441 records, of which 9 studies (6 RCTs with 1932 patients and 3 cohort studies with 313 837 patients) met inclusion criteria. We rated only 4 of the 6 RCTs and 1 of the 3 cohort studies at low risk of bias. Low-dose aspirin in pregnancy for preeclampsia prophylaxis was not associated with a greater risk of gestational diabetes (RR 1.18; 95% confidence interval 0.80–1.74). No studies reported data for the secondary outcomes. In summary, the use of low-dose aspirin does not appear associated with risk of gestational diabetes. The poor quality and small number of studies limit the interpretation of these results.