Does Antiplatelet Therapy Reduce Risk for Preeclampsia?

Preeclampsia underlies a substantial proportion of adverse pregnancy outcomes worldwide. The benefits of antiplatelet therapy, typically with aspirin, appeared substantial in early studies but were not supported by larger clinical trials. Investigators conducted a meta-analysis of pooled individual patient data from more than 32,000 women in 31 randomized clinical trials (published from 1989 to 2004) of antiplatelet agents for the primary prevention of preeclampsia.

Overall, antiplatelet therapy was associated with a significant reduction of 10% in relative risk for preeclampsia, delivery prior to 34 weeks’ gestation, or having a pregnancy with a serious adverse outcome. The reduction in risk for fetal death or for having a small-for-gestati…