Low-Dose Aspirin May Work at the Intersection of Preeclampsia and Spontaneous Preterm Birth

Although aspirin's preventive effects are modest, its impact on public health could be great.

The mechanisms responsible for preeclampsia and spontaneous preterm birth may overlap. The United States Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) recommends low-dose aspirin (81 mg daily) after 12 weeks' gestation to prevent preeclampsia in women at high risk for the disorder and no contraindications (Ann Int Med 2014; 161:819). To assess the effects of low-dose aspirin on spontaneous preterm birth, investigators performed a meta-analysis of 17 studies involving randomization of 27,510 pregnant women to antiplatelets (primarily aspirin, 60–150 mg daily) versus placebo or no treatment. Participants included women at low, moderate, and high risk for preeclampsia.

Antiplatelet treatment was associated with lower risk for spontaneous preterm birt…

Reviewing Author

Robert L. Barbieri, MD

Disclosures

Grant/Research SupportNational Institutes of Health

Editorial BoardsUpToDate

Robert L. Barbieri, MD

Disclosures

Grant/Research SupportNational Institutes of Health

Editorial BoardsUpToDate

Low-Dose Aspirin May Work at the Intersection of Preeclampsia and Spontaneous Preterm Birth

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Reviewing Author