Prophylactic Low-dose Aspirin Research Articles

Association of prophylactic low-dose aspirin use with all-cause and cause-specific mortality in cancer patients

The long-term use of aspirin for preventing cardiovascular disease has been recommended for decades. However, there is currently uncertainty regarding the long-term effects of aspirin use on the risk of all-cause, cardiovascular, and cancer mortality in cancer patients. The aim of this work was to analyze the connection between the prophylactic use of low-dose aspirin and the risk of all-cause death, cardiovascular death, and carcinoma death in carcinoma patients in the United States. A cohort study was conducted using National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) data (2011–2012, 2013–2014, 2015–2016, and 2017–2018) and associated mortality data. The 95% confidence intervals (CIs) and hazard ratios (HRs) between non-aspirin use and prophylactic low-dose aspirin use and the risk of death were measured via Cox proportional hazard regression models. A total of 1819 participants were included in the present research, of whom 945 were nonaspirin users and 874 were prophylactic aspirin users. Compared with non-aspirin users, prophylactic low-dose aspirin users had a decreased risk of all-cause death (HR = 0.647, 95% CI = 0.489–0.857). There was no statistically significant difference in the risk of cardiovascular death (HR = 0.623, 95% CI = 0.362–1.074) or cancer death (HR = 0.709, 95% CI = 0.410–1.226). Prophylactic use of low-dose aspirin may lower all-cause mortality in individuals with cancer but does not have a substantial effect on cardiovascular risk or cancer-specific mortality in this patient population.

Prevention of Pregnancy Complications Using a Multimodal Lifestyle, Screening, and Medical Model.

Prevention of pregnancy complications related to the "great obstetrical syndromes" (preeclampsia, fetal growth restriction, spontaneous preterm labor, and stillbirth) is a global research and clinical management priority. These syndromes share many common pathophysiological mechanisms that may contribute to altered placental development and function. The resulting adverse pregnancy outcomes are associated with increased maternal and perinatal morbidity and mortality and increased post-partum risk of cardiometabolic disease. Maternal nutritional and environmental factors are known to play a significant role in altering bidirectional communication between fetal-derived trophoblast cells and maternal decidual cells and contribute to abnormal placentation. As a result, lifestyle-based interventions have increasingly been recommended before, during, and after pregnancy, in order to reduce maternal and perinatal morbidity and mortality and decrease long-term risk. Antenatal screening strategies have been developed following extensive studies in diverse populations. Multivariate preeclampsia screening using a combination of maternal, biophysical, and serum biochemical markers is recommended at 11-14 weeks' gestation and can be performed at the same time as the first-trimester ultrasound and blood tests. Women identified as high-risk can be offered prophylactic low dose aspirin and monitored with angiogenic factor assessment from 22 weeks' gestation, in combination with clinical assessment, serum biochemistry, and ultrasound. Lifestyle factors can be reassessed during counseling related to antenatal screening interventions. The integration of lifestyle interventions, pregnancy screening, and medical management represents a conceptual advance in pregnancy care that has the potential to significantly reduce pregnancy complications and associated later life cardiometabolic adverse outcomes.

Expression of placental aspirin-metabolizing enzymes in women treated with prophylactic low-dose aspirin and their association with placental functions and senescence-related markers

Expression of placental aspirin-metabolizing enzymes in women treated with prophylactic low-dose aspirin and their association with placental functions and senescence-related markers

P-778 Same mother-different Oocyte: Comparison of obstetric and perinatal outcomes between pregnancies achieved through oocyte donation versus those achieved through spontaneous conception for the same mother

Abstract Study question Is there a difference in obstetrical and perinatal outcomes between pregnancies achieved through oocyte donation versus those achieved through spontaneous conception for the same mother Summary answer OD pregnancies show higher incidences of preterm labor and pregnancy-induced hypertension, and lower incidences of small for gestational age, compared to spontaneous pregnancies What is known already Oocyte donation (OD) is an integral part of modern assisted reproductive care and has been used for over three decades. OD pregnancies have an increased rate of hypertension, cesarean section, and preterm labor. Yet most of these complications are attributed to the mothers going through OD, not to the biological effect of different oocyte sources (autologous Vs. donation). Study design, size, duration This study is a retrospective cohort study that utilizes electronic data from Maccabi Healthcare Services. This 2.5-million-patient integrated care organization represents 25% of the pregnant population in the country. The data used in this study were collected from 2000 through 2018. Participants/materials, setting, methods The study included mothers who experienced both a spontaneous conception (SP) pregnancy and later an oocyte donation (OD) pregnancy. The study compared obstetric and perinatal outcomes, including the incidence of preterm labor (PTL) and small for gestational age (SGA). Mother's obstetric outcomes such as pregnancy induced hypertension (PIH), gestational diabetes, malpresentation, and postpartum hemorrhage were also analyzed. A paired t-test was performed to compare each outcome for the same mother Main results and the role of chance The cohort included 194 mothers who had a first spontaneous pregnancy and a second pregnancy with oocyte donation. The mean age of the mother during her OD pregnancy was statistically older than the OD pregnancy (mean difference 2.2 years, p = 0.0028). No difference was found between pregnancies regarding the BMI (p = 0.216). A trend toward a higher prevalence of PIH was found in the OD pregnancy compared to the SP (mean difference 2.5, p = 0.058). No difference was found between pregnancies regarding gestational diabetes (p = 0.7), malpresentation (p = 1), retained placenta (p = 0.318), and Cesarean section (p = 0.565). Perinatal outcomes show a higher prevalence of premature labor before the 34th week and 32nd week in the OD pregnancies compared to SC pregnancies (mean difference 3.6, p = 0.034 and mean difference 3, p = 0.33 respectively). No difference was found between pregnancies regarding labor before the 37th week (p = 1). A statistically lower prevalence of SGA was found in the OD pregnancy compared to the SP (p = 0.0057). Limitations, reasons for caution Due to its retrospective character, some information is lacking. Information regarding indications leading to OD/AO are missing which might have elaborated our findings Wider implications of the findings OD pregnancies should be considered high-risk, primarily due to the increased risk of PTL and PIH. Adequate recommendations should be considered, including cervical length surveillance, frequent blood pressure measurements, and perhaps prophylactic low-dose aspirin to reduce the risk of preeclampsia. Trial registration number 0046-18-BBL

Society for Maternal-Fetal Medicine Special Statement: Prophylactic low-dose aspirin for preeclampsia prevention—quality metric and opportunities for quality improvement

Prophylactic low-dose aspirin reduces the rates of preeclampsia, preterm birth, fetal growth restriction, and perinatal death in patients with risk factors for preeclampsia. Despite recommendations from the US Preventive Services Task Force, the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, and the Society for Maternal-Fetal Medicine, low-dose aspirin use is reported in <50% of patients with high-risk factors and <25% of patients with >1 moderate-risk factor. These low use rates represent an important "quality gap" and demonstrate the need for quality improvement activities. In this article, we outline the specifications for a process metric to standardize the measurement of the rate of aspirin use. Furthermore, we outline an approach to conducting a quality improvement project to increase the use of aspirin by patients with risk factors for preeclampsia.

Reduction in Preterm Preeclampsia after Contingent First-Trimester Screening and Aspirin Prophylaxis in a Routine Care Setting.

Objectives: Several multivariate algorithms for preeclampsia (PE) screening in the first trimester have been developed over the past few years. These models include maternal factors, mean arterial pressure (MAP), uterine artery Doppler (UtA-PI), and biochemical markers (pregnancy-associated plasma protein-A (PAPP-A) or placental growth factor (PlGF)). Treatment with low-dose aspirin (LDA) has shown a reduction in the incidence of preterm PE in women with a high-risk assessment in the first trimester. An important barrier to the implementation of first-trimester screening is the cost of performing tests for biochemical markers in the whole population. Theoretical contingent strategies suggest that two-stage screening models could also achieve high detection rates for preterm PE with lower costs. However, no data derived from routine care settings are currently available. This study was conducted to validate and assess the performance of a first-trimester contingent screening process using PlGF for PE, with prophylactic LDA, for decreasing the incidence of preterm PE. Methods: This was a two-phase study. In phase one, a contingent screening model for PE was developed using a multivariate validated model and a historical cohort participating in a non-interventional PE screening study (n = 525). First-stage risk assessment included maternal factors, MAP, UtA-PI, and PAPP-A. Several cut-off levels were tested to determine the best screening performance, and three groups were then defined (high-, medium-, and low-risk groups). PlGF was determined in the medium-risk group to calculate the final risk. Phase two included a validation cohort of 847 singleton pregnancies prospectively undergoing first-trimester PE screening using this approach. Women at high risk of PE received prophylactic treatment with 150 mg of LDA. The clinical impact of the model was evaluated by comparing the incidence of early-onset (<34 weeks) and preterm (<37 weeks) PE between groups. Results: Cut-off levels for the contingent screening model were chosen in the first and second stages of screening to achieve a performance with sensitivities of 100% and 80% for early-onset and preterm PE detection, respectively, with a 15% false positive rate. In the development phase, 21.5% (n = 113) of the women had a medium risk of PE and required second-stage screening. In the prospective validation phase, 15.3% (n = 130) of the women required second-stage screening for PlGF, yielding an overall screen-positive rate of 14.9% (n = 126). The incidence of preterm PE was reduced by 68.4% (1.9% vs. 0.6%, p = 0.031) after one year of screening implementation. Conclusions: Implementation of contingent screening for PE using PlGF in a routine care setting led to a significant reduction (68.4%) in preterm PE, suggesting that contingent screening can achieve similar results to protocols using PlGF in the whole population. This could have financial benefits, with a similar reduction in the rate of preterm PE.

Estimated Prevalence of Risk Factors for Preeclampsia Among Individuals Giving Birth in the US in 2019

(Abstracted from JAMA Network Open 2022;5:e2142343) Preeclampsia is a leading cause of maternal or fetal morbidity and mortality. Research has shown that prophylactic low-dose aspirin (LDA) is effective in preventing preeclampsia.

Timing is everything: snoring onset and blood pressure trajectories in pregnancy.

Timing is everything: snoring onset and blood pressure trajectories in pregnancy.

Prevalence of and factors associated with stroke in hypertensive patients in Thailand from 2014 to 2018: A nationwide cross-sectional study

Stroke is a significant cause of death and disability. In Thailand, it imposes a major health burden, and the prevalence of stroke is increasing, particularly in patients with hypertension (HT), diabetes mellitus (DM), and dyslipidemia (DLP). We aimed to determine the trends in the prevalence of stroke and the associated factors among Thai patients with HT. Nationwide cross-sectional studies were conducted annually in 2014, 2015 and 2018 based on data obtained from the Thailand DM/HT study. Nationally, representative patients with HT in Thailand were sampled with stratified one-stage cluster sampling. A total of 104,028 participants were included in this study. The prevalence of stroke remained constant, with prevalence rates of 4.0%, 3.8%, and 3.9% in 2014, 2015 and 2018, respectively (p for trend = 0.221). Our findings suggested that the management of stroke patients who are covered by the universal coverage scheme should be evaluated. Effective interventions, including promoting smoking cessation, attenuating cholesterol levels, and controlling blood pressure should be provided to hypertensive patients to prevent ischemic stroke. Young adults with HT should be more concerned about the possibility of stroke. The use of prophylactic low-dose aspirin should be carefully monitored to prevent hemorrhagic stroke.

The Use of Frozen Embryo Transfer and the Development of Pregnancy-Induced Hypertension: A Literature Review

The use of assisted reproduction techniques has been associated with obstetric complications. An understanding about which methods and treatment protocols produce better outcomes would provide greater opportunities for a successful pregnancy. The aim of this literature review was to identify whether frozen embryo transfer (FET) leads to a greater incidence of pregnancy-induced hypertension (PIH) compared to fresh embryo transfer. Fifteen studies were identified and subsequently reviewed. Eleven studies suggested FET increased the incidence of PIH–gestational hypertension and pre-eclampsia. The evidence suggests a correlation between FET and PIH. Exploration into why this is the case should be the focus of future studies. Implications for clinical practice involve extensive preconception counselling and potentially advising prophylactic low-dose aspirin with the aim of lower the incidence of PIH.

Effective Aspirin Treatment of Women at Risk for Preeclampsia Delays the Metabolic Clock of Gestation.

[Figure: see text].

1057 Pregnancies treated with prophylactic low dose aspirin: a dose dependent comparison of obstetric outcomes

Low dose aspirin has been known as a potential treatment for prevention of the development of preeclampsia in high risk pregnancies since the 1980s. Since that time, multiple studies have confirmed this benefit as well as the reduction in rates of premature birth and low birth weight. As such, the United States Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) and American College of Obstetrics and Gynecology (ACOG) have published criteria outlining the pregnancies that most benefit from prophylactic low dose aspirin administration. However, there is no absolute recommendation as to the dosage of daily aspirin to be administered. We sought to determine if there is a dose dependent relationship for low dose aspirin prophylaxis and pregnancy outcomes. This was a retrospective cohort analysis of 231 pregnancies treated with prophylactic low dose aspirin in Kansas City between July 2016 and December 2019. Patients who did not receive prenatal care or deliver at our facility were excluded. We stratified patients by dose (81mg vs 162mg). Our outcomes of interest were gestational age at delivery and birthweight percentiles. Variables were compared using Student’s T-test. We found that the mean gestational age at delivery was later in the 81mg group than the 162mg group (37.84 +/- 2.16 weeks vs 36.55 +/- 4.74 weeks, p = 0.008) but birth weight percentiles were similar between groups (71.97% +/- 29.12 vs 58.41% +/- 29.66, p=0.606). The percentage of low birthweight infants were 8.2% (n=8) and 12.9% (n=20) in the 81mg and 162mg groups respectively, which are not statistically different from the general population. There was no difference in composite adverse neonatal events between groups. In this cohort of women treated with prophylactic low dose aspirin, increasing aspirin dose did not extend pregnancy duration or reduce the risk of low birthweight.

Pregnancy outcomes following oocyte donation.

The use of oocyte donation (OD) has increased continuously over the last three decades, and it is now an indispensable part of assisted reproductive technology (ART). With OD, it has become possible to overcome the biological barrier of ovarian follicle pool depletion and the general age-related decline in fertility. This review contains a thorough appraisal of the safety of OD with an analysis of short-term pregnancy outcomes. Salient up-to-date evidence was evaluated, which revealed that in comparison with both IVF with autologous oocytes, and naturally conceived pregnancies, there is: (i) an increased risk of hypertensive disorders of pregnancy and preeclampsia; (ii) an increased risk of low birth weight and preterm birth and (iii) an increased risks of obstetric emergencies, following OD treatment. As a precaution, it is therefore highly encouraged to perform only single embryo transfer (SET) and to prescribe prophylactic low-dose aspirin during OD pregnancies.

Society for Maternal-Fetal Medicine Special Statement: Checklists for preeclampsia risk-factor screening to guide recommendations for prophylactic low-dose aspirin

In pregnant individuals with risk factors for preeclampsia, prophylactic low-dose aspirin is recommended to reduce the risk of developing preeclampsia. Fifteen distinct risk factors are recognized, including elements of current and past medical and obstetrical history, family history, and examination findings. We present checklists intended to reduce the chance that risk factors might be inadvertently overlooked and to improve the probability of aspirin being recommended for all appropriate candidates. We also suggest how such a checklist can be implemented into practice.

Redefining Hypertension: The Impact of New Risk Stratification on Pregnancy Outcomes [34L

INTRODUCTION: In 2017, the American College of Cardiology (ACC) and the American Heart Association (AHA) redefined blood pressure (BP) categories in non-pregnant adults: Normal (140/90). In pregnancy, patients with BP&gt;140/90 before 20 weeks gestation are considered to have chronic hypertension, correlating to S2. Unlike S2, pregnant women in Elevated and S1 cohorts receive no increased antepartum surveillance. The purpose of this study is to compare pregnancy outcomes between normal, elevated, and S1 cohorts to ascertain risk for hypertensive disorders of pregnancy (HDP), including gestational hypertension and pre-eclampsia. METHODS: This is a retrospective review of women who received prenatal care and delivered at our institution. Patients were classified according to the new guidelines based on BP readings prior to 20 weeks gestation. S2 patients were excluded, as these patients are already known to have increased risk for HDP. The primary outcome measure is incidence of HDP. IRB approval was obtained. RESULTS: 342 patients were included: normal (n=177), elevated (n=73), and S1 (n=76). Maternal characteristics were similar (P&gt;.05). The incidence of HDP for patients with Elevated BP is 9.59% (P=.048) and S1 is 13.83% (P=.002), compared to normal (3.43%). The incidence of small for gestational age, preterm delivery, and NICU admissions were similar (P&gt;.05). CONCLUSION: Women with S1 per the new guidelines are at increased risk for HDP of pregnancy. Further studies are warranted to determine if S1 patients will benefit from antepartum surveillance and prophylactic low dose aspirin.

A prophylactic low-dose aspirin earlier than 12 weeks until delivery should be considered to prevent preeclampsia

Clinical trials and meta-analyses have demonstrated that low-dose aspirin can reduce the risk of preeclampsia and fetal growth restriction in high-risk pregnant women. Current obstetric guidelines recommend that the administration of low-dose aspirin to prevent preeclampsia be initiated after 12 weeks' gestation. This starting time was chosen to minimize possible risks of maternal bleeding and fetal anomalies. However, evidence from reproductive medicine, where low-dose aspirin is commonly recommended to use before and in early pregnancy, as well as existing literature, does not support these concerns. On the other hand, defective placentation resulting in a subsequent ischemic placenta is considered as the starting point of preeclampsia. Low-dose aspirin initiated in early pregnancy can balance the levels of thromboxane A2 and prostacyclin and maintain adequate uteroplacental blood flow and, therefore, improve placentation. Thus, an initiation of low-dose aspirin earlier than 12 weeks can be considered. Meanwhile, evidence shows that low-dose aspirin can improve maternal vascular endothelial function without increasing the risks of adverse maternal and perinatal outcomes. Therefore, it appears safe to use low-dose aspirin as a prophylactic until delivery.

ACOG Committee Opinion No. 743: Low-Dose Aspirin Use During Pregnancy.

Low-dose aspirin has been used during pregnancy, most commonly to prevent or delay the onset of preeclampsia. The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists issued the Hypertension in Pregnancy Task Force Report recommending daily low-dose aspirin beginning in the late first trimester for women with a history of early-onset preeclampsia and preterm delivery at less than 34 0/7 weeks of gestation, or for women with more than one prior pregnancy complicated by preeclampsia. The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force published a similar guideline, although the list of indications for low-dose aspirin use was more expansive. Daily low-dose aspirin use in pregnancy is considered safe and is associated with a low likelihood of serious maternal, or fetal complications, or both, related to use. The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists and the Society for Maternal-Fetal Medicine support the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force guideline criteria for prevention of preeclampsia. Low-dose aspirin (81 mg/day) prophylaxis is recommended in women at high risk of preeclampsia and should be initiated between 12 weeks and 28 weeks of gestation (optimally before 16 weeks) and continued daily until delivery. Low-dose aspirin prophylaxis should be considered for women with more than one of several moderate risk factors for preeclampsia. Women at risk of preeclampsia are defined based on the presence of one or more high-risk factors (history of preeclampsia, multifetal gestation, renal disease, autoimmune disease, type 1 or type 2 diabetes, and chronic hypertension) or more than one of several moderate-risk factors (first pregnancy, maternal age of 35 years or older, a body mass index greater than 30, family history of preeclampsia, sociodemographic characteristics, and personal history factors). In the absence of high risk factors for preeclampsia, current evidence does not support the use of prophylactic low-dose aspirin for the prevention of early pregnancy loss, fetal growth restriction, stillbirth, or preterm birth.

ACOG Committee Opinion No. 743 Summary: Low-Dose Aspirin Use During Pregnancy.

Low-dose aspirin has been used during pregnancy, most commonly to prevent or delay the onset of preeclampsia. The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists issued the Hypertension in Pregnancy Task Force Report recommending daily low-dose aspirin beginning in the late first trimester for women with a history of early-onset preeclampsia and preterm delivery at less than 34 0/7 weeks of gestation, or for women with more than one prior pregnancy complicated by preeclampsia. The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force published a similar guideline, although the list of indications for low-dose aspirin use was more expansive. Daily low-dose aspirin use in pregnancy is considered safe and is associated with a low likelihood of serious maternal, or fetal complications, or both, related to use. The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists and the Society for Maternal-Fetal Medicine support the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force guideline criteria for prevention of preeclampsia. Low-dose aspirin (81 mg/day) prophylaxis is recommended in women at high risk of preeclampsia and should be initiated between 12 weeks and 28 weeks of gestation (optimally before 16 weeks) and continued daily until delivery. Low-dose aspirin prophylaxis should be considered for women with more than one of several moderate risk factors for preeclampsia. Women at risk of preeclampsia are defined based on the presence of one or more high-risk factors (history of preeclampsia, multifetal gestation, renal disease, autoimmune disease, type 1 or type 2 diabetes, and chronic hypertension) or more than one of several moderate-risk factors (first pregnancy, maternal age of 35 years or older, a body mass index greater than 30, family history of preeclampsia, sociodemographic characteristics, and personal history factors). In the absence of high risk factors for preeclampsia, current evidence does not support the use of prophylactic low-dose aspirin for the prevention of early pregnancy loss, fetal growth restriction, stillbirth, or preterm birth.

Low-dose aspirin and risk of intracranial bleeds: An observational study in UK general practice.

To quantify the risk of intracranial bleeds (ICBs) associated with new use of prophylactic low-dose aspirin using a population-based primary care database in the United Kingdom. A cohort of new users of low-dose aspirin (75-300 mg; n = 199,079) aged 40-84 years and a 1:1 matched cohort of nonusers of low-dose aspirin at baseline were followed (maximum 14 years, median 5.4 years) to identify incident cases of ICB, with validation by manual review of patient records or linkage to hospitalization data. Using 10,000 frequency-matched controls, adjusted rate ratios (RRs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated for current low-dose aspirin use (0-7 days before the index date [ICB date for cases, random date for controls]); reference group was never used. There were 1,611 cases of ICB (n = 743 for intracerebral hemorrhage [ICH], n = 483 for subdural hematoma [SDH], and n = 385 for subarachnoid hemorrhage [SAH]). RRs (95% CI) were 0.98 (0.84-1.13) for all ICB, 0.98 (0.80-1.20) for ICH, 1.23 (0.95-1.59) for SDH, and 0.77 (0.58-1.01) for SAH. No duration of use or dose-response association was apparent. RRs (95% CI) for ≥1 year of low-dose aspirin use were 0.90 (0.72-1.13) for ICH, 1.20 (0.91-1.57) for SDH, and 0.69 (0.50-0.94) for SAH. Low-dose aspirin is not associated with an increased risk of any type of ICB and is associated with a significantly decreased risk of SAH when used for ≥1 year.

Incidence of colorectal cancer in new users and non-users of low-dose aspirin without existing cardiovascular disease: A cohort study using The Health Improvement Network

Evidence regarding the chemo-protective effects of aspirin has influenced expert opinion in favour of low-dose aspirin use in certain patient populations without cardiovascular disease (CVD). The effects of aspirin in reducing the incidence of colorectal cancer (CRC) may be a large contributor to this favourable risk-benefit profile of low-dose aspirin in primary CVD prevention. Using The Health Improvement Network, we estimated the incidence of CRC in individuals free of CVD and either prescribed or not prescribed prophylactic low-dose aspirin. Two cohorts - new-users of low-dose aspirin (N=109,426) and a comparator cohort of non-users (N=154,056) at start of follow-up - were followed (maximum 13years) to identify incident CRC cases. Individuals with a record of CVD, cancer or low-dose aspirin prescription before start of follow-up were excluded. 2330 incident cases of CRC occurred; 885 in the aspirin cohort and 1445 in the comparator cohort, after mean follow-ups of 5.43years and 5.17years, respectively. Incidence rates of CRC per 10,000 person-years (95% confidence interval) were 14.90 (13.95-15.92) in the aspirin cohort and 18.15 (17.24-19.12) in the comparator cohort; incidence rate ratio 0.82 (0.76-0.89) adjusted for age, sex and primary care practitioner (PCP) visits in the previous year. Lower incidence rates were seen in the aspirin cohort for all strata evaluated (gender, age group and number of PCP visits in the previous year) except those aged ≥80years. Among most individuals without established CVD, initiation of low-dose aspirin is associated with a reduced incidence of CRC.