Aspirin For Prevention Of Preeclampsia Research Articles

Aspirin for preeclampsia prevention in low- and middle-income countries: mind the gaps

Preeclampsia is a syndrome that continues to be a major contributor to maternal and neonatal mortality, especially in low-income countries. Low-dose aspirin reduces the risk of preeclampsia, but the mechanism is still unknown. Risk factors to identify women at risk of preeclampsia are based on clinical characteristics. Women identified as high-risk would benefit from aspirin treatment initiated preferably at the end of the first trimester. Current efforts have largely focused on developing screening algorithms that incorporate clinical risk factors, maternal biomarkers, and uterine artery Doppler evaluated in the first trimester. However, most studies on preeclampsia are conducted in high-income settings, raising uncertainties about whether the information gained can be totally applied in low-resource settings. In low- and middle-income countries, lack of adequate antenatal care and late commencement of antenatal care visits pose significant challenges for both screening for preeclampsia and initiating aspirin treatment. Further, the preventive effect of first-trimester screening based on algorithms and subsequent aspirin treatment is primarily seen for preterm preeclampsia, and reviews indicate minimal or no impact on reducing the risk of term preeclampsia. The lack of evidence regarding the effectiveness of aspirin in preventing term preeclampsia is a crucial concern, as 75% of women will develop this subtype of the syndrome. Regarding adverse outcomes, low-dose aspirin has been linked to a possible higher risk of postpartum hemorrhage, a condition as deadly as preeclampsia in many low- and middle-income countries. The increased risk of postpartum hemorrhage among women in low-income settings should be taken into consideration when discussing which pregnant women would benefit from the use of aspirin and the ideal aspirin dosage for preventing preeclampsia. Additionally, women's adherence to aspirin during pregnancy is crucial for determining its effectiveness and complications, an aspect often overlooked in trials. In this review, we analyze the knowledge gaps that must be addressed to safely increase low-dose aspirin use in low- and middle-income countries and we propose directions for future research.

Comparison of the efficacy of 75 mg aspirin versus 150 mg aspirin for prevention of preeclampsia in patients at high risk for preeclampsia

BACKGROUND & OBJECTIVE: Preeclampsia is a significant contributor to maternal health challenges. Emphasizing prevention over cure is a guiding principle in healthcare. As a reliable measure to forestall hypertension and its associated complications during pregnancy, aspirin is widely embraced. The early identification of risk factors plays a crucial role in the primary prevention of preeclampsia. Post-risk stratification, aspirin emerges as a pivotal player in the preventive strategy for individuals identified as high-risk for pre-eclampsia. To assess the effectiveness of 75 mg aspirin against 150 mg aspirin in preventing preeclampsia among individuals identified as having a high risk for the condition.
 METHODOLOGY: A quasi-experimental study was conducted in the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Services Hospital, Lahore, from 27-12-2019 to 27-6-2020.240 patients were enrolled in the study, which was later divided into two groups. Group A received treatment with 75 mg aspirin, while Group B was administered 150 mg aspirin. Efficacy was determined based on whether blood pressure levels were below 140/90 mmHg, and proteinuria was rated as <+1 using the dipstick method.
 RESULTS: The mean age of the patients was 28.54±6.83 years, and the mean gestational age of the patients was 15.30±1.69 weeks. In the 75 mg group, the efficacy was achieved in 94(78.3%) patients, whereas in the 150 mg group, the efficacy was achieved in 108(90.0%) patients (p-value=0.013).
 CONCLUSION: This study concludes that the efficacy of 150 mg aspirin significantly surpasses that of 75 mg aspirin in preventing preeclampsia among high-risk pregnant patients.

Missed opportunity for aspirin prophylaxis for preeclampsia prevention: a cross-sectional study from Sub-Saharan Africa

BackgroundRecent studies show that aspirin for pre-eclampsia prevention is underutilized despite it's effectiveness in preventing pre-eclampsia in patients with moderate and high risk factors. Little is known about this issue in the Sub-Saharan setting, including Ethiopia. ObjectiveTo determine the missed opportunity for ASA prophylaxis among candidates for this preeclampsia preventive intervention at a national tertiary referral hospital in Ethiopia. Study DesignThis was a cross-sectional study on pregnant women complicated by preeclampsia who were managed at St. Paul's Hospital Millennium Medical College (Ethiopia) over 6 months (April 1, 2023-September 30, 2023). Data were collected prospectively using a structured questionnaire. The primary outcome was proportion of women who had an indication for ASA prophylaxis for preeclampsia prevention but were not given the opportunity (missed opportunity for ASA) among all pregnant preeclampsia patients presenting to our hospital. Secondary outcomes were adverse maternal and perinatal outcomes. An intention-to-treat (ITT) analysis was used. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 23. Descriptive statistics were employed to analyze the data. Proportions and percentages were used to present the results. ResultsA total of 427 pregnant women with preeclampsia were screened for inclusion and 32 of them were excluded according to the inclusion and exclusion criteria. Among the 395 preeclamptic pregnant women included in the final analysis, 195(50.6%) had an indication for ASA prophylaxis for the prevention of preeclampsia. The mean systolic and diastolic blood pressures at presentation were 153.8(±12.8) and 100.6(±8.5) mm Hg, respectively. Most patients had proteinuria (51.7% had urine dip-stick protein +2 while another 18.5% (74/395) had urine dip-stick protein +1 and 10.9% had 24-hour urine protein in the pre-eclampsia range). Among these women who had indication for ASA prophylaxis, in only 1.1 % was ASA utilized (the missed opportunity for ASA prophylaxis for preeclampsia prevention was 98.9%). The perinatal morality rate was 11.9 % while neonatal ICU admission rate was 20.5%. The 5th minute low Apgar score rate was 8.9% Eight mothers (2.1%) were complicated by HELLP syndrome while another 3(0.8%) mothers developed pulmonary edema. ConclusionIn this study, the missed opportunity for administration of ASA prophylaxis for the prevention of preeclampsia was unacceptably high though more than half of the study subjects were candidates for this preventive intervention. Preeclampsia was also associated with higher rates adverse perinatal outcomes and serious maternal morbidity.

The importance of using disease causal models in studies of preventive interventions: Learning from preeclampsia research

ObjectiveInterventions aimed at preventing disease are commonly studied as strategies of primary or secondary prevention. Unfortunately, this dichotomy can be misleading, and studies might unknowingly exclude people at high risk of the disease that could benefit from the intervention. Here I use the example of aspirin for prevention of preeclampsia to illustrate this problem. MethodsI use directed acyclic graphs to represent several causal models of aspirin and preeclampsia, each making different assumptions regarding the causal relation between previous preeclampsia, aspirin, and subsequent preeclampsia. Afterwards, I discuss the implications of each model. ResultsAspirin started being recommended to pregnant women that had presented preeclampsia in previous pregnancies, but not to women at high risk due to other factors. Studies started evaluating aspirin in women at high risk due to these other causes and found it also reduced the risk of preeclampsia in them. Thanks to a shift towards risk-based interventions, guidelines started recommending aspirin to all women considered at high risk of preeclampsia. Furthermore, recent studies have begun using blood markers in women without classic risk factors to identify additional women that might benefit from aspirin. With such advances, performing “secondary prevention” once the first event occurred will increasingly represent a failure to intervene on time. ConclusionsExplicitly illustrating disease causal models helps to identify those individuals that are most likely to benefit from risk reduction, regardless of whether they were previously afflicted by the disease. This is beneficial when designing studies and when implementing preventive interventions.

Reconsidering the effectiveness of low-dose aspirin in prevention of pre-eclampsia among otherwise low risk twin gestations: A historical cohort study.

To investigate the effectiveness of low-dose aspirin (LDA) in the prevention of pre-eclampsia (PE) among otherwise low-risk twin gestations. A historical cohort study consisting of all pregnant individuals with dichorionic diamniotic (DCDA) twin pregnancy who delivered between 2014 and 2020. Patients treated with LDA were matched by a 1:4 ratio to individuals who were not treated with LDA by age, body mass index and parity. During the study period, 2271 individuals carrying DCDA pregnancies delivered at our center. Of these, 404 were excluded for one or more additional major risk factors. The remaining cohort consisted of 1867 individuals of whom 142 (7.6%) were treated with LDA and were compared with a 1:4 matched group of 568 individuals who were not treated. The rate of preterm PE did not differ significantly between the two groups (18 [12.7%] in the LDA group vs. 55 [9.7%] in the no-LDA group; P= 0.294, adjusted odds ratio 1.36, 95% confidence interval 0.77-2.40). There were no other significant between-group differences. Low-dose aspirin treatment in pregnant individuals with DCDA twin gestations without additional major risk factors was not associated with a reduction in the rate of preterm PE.

Important Considerations of Low-Dose Aspirin in the Prevention of Preeclampsia

Low-dose prophylactic aspirin is widely recommended for pregnant women for the prevention of preeclampsia (PE). Although the efficacy of aspirin in preventing PE has been evaluated in many studies, due to the differences in dosage, initiation time, and screening methods for the identification of women at high risk of PE and the lack of a uniform opinion on the medication regimen of aspirin, currently in China there is no consensus on the standardized treatment scheme of aspirin for the prevention of PE in clinical guidelines. Herein, we reviewed the current available evidence and the recommendations of clinical guidelines concerning the controversies about aspirin dosage as well as the timing of starting and stopping aspirin, so as to provide further guidance for clinical practice. Based on the existing research findings on and clinical practice of using aspirin for PE prevention, we suggested that PE risk screening should be conducted at 11-13+6 weeks of gestation. In addition, the recommended dose for prophylactic use of aspirin for pregnant women at high risk of PE is 150 mg/d, and the recommended minimum effective dose is 100 mg/d. Pregnant women at high risk of PE should start taking low-dose aspirin orally before 16 weeks of pregnancy. Week 36 of gestation is considered the window of opportunity for discontinuation of low-dose aspirin.

Effectiveness of Low Dose Aspirin for Prevention of Preeclampsia in a Private Hospital Setting

Effectiveness of Low Dose Aspirin for Prevention of Preeclampsia in a Private Hospital Setting

Aspirin for prevention of preeclampsia and adverse perinatal outcome in twin pregnancies: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Aspirin for prevention of preeclampsia and adverse perinatal outcome in twin pregnancies: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Health care workers and key policy informant's knowledge of the use of calcium and low dose aspirin for prevention of preeclampsia in Malawian women.

This study investigated health care workers and key policy informant's knowledge, and barriers to the use of calcium and aspirin for preventing preeclampsia in Blantyre and Lilongwe, Malawi. A descriptive cross-sectional formative study using semi-structured In-Depth Interview (IDIs) was conducted at Queen Elizabeth Central Hospital (QECH), Reproductive Health Directorate, and the United Nations Population Development Fund (UNFPA) Office in 2021. Data was analyzed using NVIVO™ software. Thematic content analysis was used to analyze and interpret the findings. Emerging themes were then developed inductively and deductively. Doctors had greater knowledge of the use of calcium and aspirin for prevention of preeclampsia compared to nurses and key policy informants. Lack of knowledge, patient's late presentation, scarcity of calcium tablets and delays in implementing new guidelines were the barriers to use identified. This study shows that there are health care worker and policy level barriers that affect the implementation of calcium and aspirin use for the prevention of preeclampsia in Malawian women.

Highlights from the International Twins Congress 2021

Highlights from the International Twins Congress 2021

Glycemic Control and Aspirin Resistance in Patients Taking Low-Dose Aspirin for Pre-eclampsia Prevention.

To assess the association between aspirin and glycemic control in diabetic, pregnant patients, and the risk for aspirin resistance in those with poor glycemic control across gestation taking low-dose aspirin (LDA) for pre-eclampsia (PEC) prevention. We performed a secondary analysis of samples collected during the Maternal-Fetal Medicine Units trial of LDA for PEC prevention. A subset of insulin-controlled diabetic patient samples on placebo or 60 mg aspirin daily were evaluated. Glycosylated hemoglobin was measured at randomization, mid-second trimester, and third trimester time points. Thromboxane B2 (TXB2) measurements were previously assessed as part of the original study. Primary outcome was the effect of LDA on glycosylated hemoglobin levels compared with placebo across gestation. Levels of glycosylated hemoglobin increased across gestation in the placebo group (2,067.7 [interquartile range, IQR: 1,624.6-2,713.5 µg/mL] vs. 2,461.9 [1,767.0-3,209.9 µg/mL] vs. 3,244.3 [2,691.5-4,187.0 µg/mL]; p < 0.01) compared with no difference in levels of glycosylated hemoglobin across gestation in the LDA group (2,186.4 [IQR: 1,462.3-3,097.7 µg/mL] vs. 2,337.1 [1,327.7-5,932.6 µg/mL] vs. 2,532.9 [1,804.9-5,511.8 µg/mL]; p = 0.78). Higher levels of glycosylated hemoglobin were associated with increased TXB2 levels prior to randomization (r = 0.67, p < 0.05). Incomplete TXB2 was higher in pregnancies with increasing levels of glycosylated hemoglobin compared with those with decreasing levels of glycosylated hemoglobin across gestation (69.2 vs. 18.1%, p = 0.02). LDA exposure may be beneficial to glycemic control in this patient population. Additionally, poor glycemic control is associated with a higher level of TXB2 in diabetic pregnant patients on LDA. Higher doses of aspirin may be required in these patients to prevent development of PEC. · Low-dose aspirin may improve glycemic control.. · Poor glycemic control increases risk for aspirin resistance.. · Higher doses of aspirin may be required for pre-eclampsia prevention..

Sildenafil plus Low Dose Aspirin for Prevention of Preeclampsia: A Randomized Controlled Trial

Objective: To compare between the efficacy of the use of oral sildenafil plus low dose aspirin versus the use of oral low dose aspirin alone in pregnancy as preventive measure in women at risk for preeclampsia (PE). Design: A randomized clinical trial. Setting: Outpatient Obstetric clinic of Ain Shams University Maternity Hospital. Population or sample: Women at gestational age of ≤16 weeks who at risk for PE between June 2018 and June 2019. Methods: Participants were randomly allocated into two groups: Group I Included 200 women who received a 25 mg tablet of oral sildenafil citrate tid until delivery plus 100 mg tablet of aspirin orally once daily until gestational age of 36 weeks, Group II Included 200 women who received a 100 mg tablet of aspirin orally once daily until gestational age of 36 weeks. Main Outcome Measures: Incidence of preeclampsia diagnosed per ACOG criteria. Results: The incidence of PE in both groups showed no statistically significant difference. The incidence of PE in the first group is 11.0%, and it is 12.0% in the second group (p-value 0.754). Conclusion: The addition of sildenafil citrate to low dose aspirin had no impact on the prevention of preeclampsia for women at risk of PE, in addition, sildenafil did not improve maternal and fetal outcomes.

The Role of Aspirin for Preeclampsia Prevention in Women with Diabetes.

A diagnosis of type I or type 2 diabetes confers heightened risk for virtually every obstetric and perinatal complication, with the incidence of superimposed preeclampsia representing a particularly high-risk scenario. Over the past three decades, studies have investigated the role of aspirin in preeclampsia prevention, yielding some promising results for certain at-risk groups, yet unconvincing evidence of benefit among women with pre-pregnancy diabetes. The purpose of this review is to present the current evidence base for aspirin use in pregnancy as a means of mitigating preeclampsia risk in the setting of pregestational type I or type 2 diabetes. Meta-analysis data examining low-dose aspirin for preeclampsia prevention in at-risk and low-risk women has demonstrated modest benefit, but subanalyses of cohorts with diabetes have failed to demonstrate a beneficial effect. Evidence is emerging that indicates a benefit only among women who initiate aspirin therapy prior to 16weeks' gestation, and uncertainty exists surrounding the effective dose. In light of equipoise surrounding the potential role of aspirin for prevention of preeclampsia in women with diabetes, current research is targeted at determining clinical efficacy of aspirin in this high-risk obstetric population.

Improving Utilization of Aspirin for Prevention of Preeclampsia in a High-Risk Urban Cohort: A Prospective Cohort Study.

This study aimed to evaluate the utilization of aspirin for preeclampsia prevention before and after implementation of a screening tool during nuchal translucency (NT) ultrasound. One-year prospective cohort study of patients at high risk for preeclampsia after the implementation of a screening tool (postscreen) administered to all patients at check in for NT (11-13 weeks) ultrasound. Prospective cohort was compared with one-year retrospective cohort (prescreen) the year prior (2017). All patients who presented for NT ultrasound in both cohorts were evaluated for the presence of one or more risk factor for preeclampsia with screening tool collected prospectively and chart review retrospectively. Provider recommendation for aspirin determined by documentation in prenatal record. Primary outcome was rate of provider recommendation for aspirin pre versus post screening tool, compared by Chi-square test and adjusted for potential confounders with multiple regression analysis. Pre- (n = 156) and postscreen (n = 136) cohorts were similar except for race and multifetal gestation. Prescreen, rate of provider recommendation for aspirin was 74%. Of those with prior preeclampsia, 96% were recommended aspirin, compared with 64% of patients with other risk factors (p < 0.001). Postscreen, provider recommendation of aspirin improved to 95% (p < 0.001). Rate of preeclampsia/gestational hypertension were similar between cohorts; however, there was a reduced adjusted risk in overall preterm birth <37 weeks (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] = 0.50 [0.25-0.99]) and preterm birth <34 weeks (aOR = 0.33 [0.13-0.88]) postscreening tool implementation. Prior to implementation of a simple screening questionnaire, approximately 25% of high risk patients did not receive the recommendation of aspirin for preeclampsia prevention. High-risk patients who lack a history of preeclampsia were less likely to be advised of aspirin prophylaxis. Use of a simple universal screening tool at time of NT ultrasound significantly improved utilization of aspirin for preeclampsia prevention and may improve patient outcomes. · Despite recommendations, aspirin use for preeclampsia prevention is suboptimal.. · High-risk patients who lack a history preeclampsia were less likely to be advised of aspirin use.. · A simple universal screening tool can significantly improve aspirin utilization..

Aspirin for prevention of preeclampsia and fetal growth restriction.

For the past decades, growing attention has been given to aspirin use during pregnancy. It favors placentation by its proangiogenic, antithrombotic, and anti-inflammatory effects. Therefore, low doses of aspirin are prescribed in the prevention of placenta-mediated complications, mainly preeclampsia and fetal growth restriction. However, questions regarding its clinical application are still debated. Aspirin is effective in preventing preeclampsia in a high-risk population. Most guidelines recommend that risk stratification should rely on medical history. Nevertheless, screening performances dramatically improve if biochemical and biophysical markers are included. Concerning the appropriate timing and dose, latest studies suggest aspirin should be started before 16 weeks of pregnancy and at a daily dose of 100 mg or more. Further studies are needed to improve the identification of patients likely to benefit from prophylactic aspirin. Besides, the role of aspirin in the prevention of fetal growth restriction is still questioned.

753: Utilization of aspirin for prevention of preeclampsia in a high risk urban cohort

Evaluate utilization of aspirin for preeclampsia prevention before and after implementation of a screening tool during nuchal translucency (NT) ultrasound. One year prospective cohort study of patients at high risk for preeclampsia after the implementation of a screening tool (post-screen) administered to all patients at check in for NT (11-13 week) ultrasound. Prospective cohort was compared to one year retrospective cohort (pre-screen) the year prior (2017). All patients who presented for NT ultrasound in both cohorts were evaluated for ≥1 high risk factor for preeclampsia (Table) by screening tool collected prospectively and chart review retrospectively. Provider recommendation for aspirin determined by documentation in prenatal record. Primary outcome was rate of provider recommendation for aspirin pre versus post screening tool, compared by chi-square analysis and adjusted for potential confounders with multiple regression analysis. Pre- (N=156) and post-screen (N=136) cohorts were similar except race and multifetal gestation (Table). Pre-screen, rate of provider recommendation for aspirin was 74%. Of those with prior preeclampsia, 96% were recommended aspirin, compared to 64% of patients with another risk factor (p< .001). Post-screen, provider recommendation of aspirin improved to 95% (p< 0.001), and aspirin recommendation for those with another risk factor but without prior preeclampsia also improved to 92% (Figure). Post-screening tool cohort had an increased adjusted odds of aspirin recommendation (OR 10.0 (3.7-26.8), p< .001). Implementation research is critical for evaluating and optimizing the real world use of national guidelines. Prior to implementation of a simple screening questionnaire, approximately 25% of high risk patients did not receive the recommendation of aspirin for preeclampsia prevention; those who lack a history preeclampsia were significantly less likely to be advised of aspirin prophylaxis. Use of a simple universal screening tool at time of NT ultrasound significantly improved utilization of aspirin for preeclampsia prevention.View Large Image Figure ViewerDownload Hi-res image Download (PPT)

Impact of educational preeclampsia prevention booklet on knowledge and adherence to low dose aspirin among pregnant women with high risk for preeclampsia.

Background Postpartum bleeding and pregnancy induced hypertension - including preeclampsia - remain to be a great cause of maternal mortality. The use of aspirin for preventing preeclampsia has been practiced recently by fetomaternal specialists in Indonesia. This study aimed to analyze the impact of education using an aspirin booklet provided by pharmacists on knowledge and adherence in taking aspirin among pregnant women with high risk for preeclampsia. Methods This was one group of pretest-posttest study. We enrolled all pregnant women with high risk for preeclampsia screened at 11+0-13+6 weeks' gestation at Fetomaternal Clinic, Dr. Ramelan Naval Hospital, Surabaya. All subjects prescribed with low-dose aspirin (100 mg) for preeclampsia prevention received oral and written education using the aspirin booklet and had been followed up for 2 months. Knowledge about aspirin for preeclampsia prevention was measured by a validated questionnaire developed for this study. Adherence to aspirin was measured by pill count method. Results A total of 12 pregnant women with high risk for preeclampsia were included during the study period. This study showed a statistically significant difference on knowledge of preeclampsia prevention before and after receiving oral and written education using aspirin booklet (p-value = 0.020), as well as aspirin adherence (p-value = 0.011). Conclusion The use of oral education and written aspirin booklet provided by pharmacists had impact on knowledge of preeclampsia prevention and adherence in taking aspirin among pregnant women with high risk for preeclampsia. We recommend to conduct randomized control study of adequate number of subjects.

Investigating the role of early low-dose aspirin in diabetes: A phase III multicentre double-blinded placebo-controlled randomised trial of aspirin therapy initiated in the first trimester of diabetes pregnancy

BackgroundPreeclampsia, preterm birth and low birth weight represent key contributing factors to perinatal morbidity and mortality. Pregnancies complicated by type 1 and type 2 diabetes are at increased risk of these complications, which are purported to be largely attributed to placental dysfunction. Studies investigating a potential role for aspirin therapy in optimizing perinatal outcome have consistently failed to demonstrate a benefit among women with pre-existing diabetes, and yet widespread aspirin administration has become common practice in many centres. This study seeks to examine the effect of aspirin therapy, administered from the first trimester until 36 weeks gestation, on perinatal outcome in women with established pre-pregnancy diabetes. Our hypothesis is that aspirin therapy will reduce complications mediated by placental dysfunction, and improve perinatal outcomes. MethodsThis phase III double-blinded, placebo-controlled randomized clinical trial will be conducted in seven tertiary-level perinatology centres in Ireland. Consenting participants who meet all eligibility criteria will be allocated randomly to either aspirin 150mg once daily or matching placebo, commenced between 11+0 and 13+6 weeks. Allocation will take place electronically using software by Clininfo with randomization tables provided by the trial biostatistician. The primary outcome will be a composite clinical measure of placental dysfunction (preeclampsia, preterm birth before 34 weeks, birthweight below the 10th centile or perinatal mortality). This trial has been set up such that it is parallel in design and is a superiority study. No participants have been recruited yet. The trial has been registered with Eudra Clinical Trials - EudraCT Number 2018-000770-29. Funding for this trial was granted by the Health research Board (HRB) 1/9/2017(DIFA-2017-026). DiscussionAspirin therapy has been investigated for the prevention of preeclampsia owing to its reduction on thromboxane production. Previous studies have failed to demonstrate a beneficial effect of aspirin on perinatal outcome amongst women with type I or type II diabetes. It is plausible that the failure to observe benefit to date, among the limited aspirin studies that have included participants with diabetes, may be a consequence of aspirin initiation too late in pregnancy to exert any effect on placentation. We believe that if aspirin is to be used for the prevention of placental dysfunction, it must be initiated before the second active phase of trophoblast invasion, which takes place from 14 weeks’ gestation onwards. No randomized trials investigating the role of aspirin in prevention of preeclampsia in pregnancies complicated by diabetes have previously initiated treatment in the first trimester, the gestational period at which it is most likely to exert an effect on placentation. Trial RegistrationEnduraCT Number 2018-000770-29, Registered 21/2/2018.

Maternal Outcomes Associated With Lower Range Stage 1 Hypertension.

To evaluate maternal and neonatal outcomes in healthy, nulliparous women classified with stage 1 hypertension under the revised American College of Cardiology and American Heart Association Guidelines and to evaluate the effects of low-dose aspirin on maternal and neonatal outcomes in this population. We conducted a secondary analysis of data from a multicenter randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial of low-dose aspirin for prevention of preeclampsia in nulliparous, low-risk women recruited between 13 and 25 weeks of gestation. Of the 3,134 nulliparous women enrolled in the original study, 2,947 women with singleton pregnancies and without missing data were included in this analysis. Blood pressure was measured at enrollment between 13 and 25 weeks of gestation and outcomes were adjudicated from the medical record. One hundred sixty-four participants were identified with lower range stage 1 hypertension (5.6%), systolic blood pressure 130-135 mm Hg, diastolic blood pressure 80-85 mm Hg, or both by the new American College of Cardiology-American Heart Association guidelines. Within the placebo group (n=1,482), women with stage 1 hypertension had a significantly increased incidence of preeclampsia compared with normotensive women, 15.3% (15/98) vs 5.4% (75/1,384) (relative risk 2.66, 95% CI 1.56-4.54, P<.001). Moreover, women with stage 1 hypertension had an increased incidence of gestational diabetes mellitus (6.1% vs 2.5%, P=.03) and more indicated preterm deliveries (4.2% vs 1.1%, P=.01). Comparing women with stage 1 hypertension and normotensive women receiving low-dose aspirin during pregnancy (n=1,465), no differences in rates of preeclampsia (7.6% vs 4.4%, respectively, P=.2), gestational diabetes mellitus, or indicated preterm deliveries were observed. Rates of placenta abruption, small for gestational age, and spontaneous preterm birth did not differ significantly between groups. Application of the new American College of Cardiology-American Heart Association guidelines in a pregnant population identifies a cohort of women who are at increased risk for preeclampsia, gestational diabetes mellitus, and preterm birth.

How to perform first trimester combined screening for pre-eclampsia.

Pre-eclampsia is a common condition that affects 2-5% of pregnancies and is associated with significant maternal and perinatal morbidity, and cost to the healthcare system. In those at high risk for pre-eclampsia, interventions such as aspirin intake have been shown to reduce prevalence of disease. However, to implement these interventions, it is essential that high-risk women be identified early in pregnancy. A combined first trimester screening model for pre-eclampsia that includes maternal history, mean arterial pressure, uterine artery Doppler and PlGF has been shown to be the most effective at identifying the population at greatest risk of pre-eclampsia. This article will explore the most appropriate methods of measuring the components of first trimester screening and discuss the use of aspirin for prevention of pre-eclampsia in pregnancy.