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Fetal intracranial hemorrhage due to antenatal low dose aspirin intake

C K Sasidharan1, P M Kutty, Ajithkumar

  • 1Division of Neonatology, Dept. of Pediatrics, IMCH, Medical College, Calicut, Kerala, India.

Indian Journal of Pediatrics
|January 5, 2002
PubMed

Insights

Low dose aspirin during pregnancy can prevent complications but may increase fetal bleeding risk. This report details a case of fetal intracranial hemorrhage linked to maternal aspirin use.

Area of Science:

  • Obstetrics and Gynecology
  • Fetal Medicine
  • Pharmacology

Background:

  • Low dose aspirin is commonly prescribed during pregnancy to prevent conditions like pre-eclampsia and intrauterine growth restriction.
  • Aspirin exerts anticoagulant effects by inhibiting cyclooxygenase and affecting vitamin K-dependent coagulation factors.
  • The drug readily crosses the placental barrier, posing potential risks to the fetus.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To report a case of fetal intracranial hemorrhage associated with maternal low dose aspirin administration.
  • To highlight the potential risks of antenatal aspirin use on fetal hemostasis.

Main Methods:

  • Case report detailing a pregnancy with antenatal low dose aspirin intake.
  • Review of the pharmacological effects of aspirin on fetal coagulation.
  • Analysis of the clinical presentation and outcome following delivery.

Main Results:

  • The fetus developed intracranial hemorrhage, suspected to be linked to maternal aspirin exposure.
  • The anticoagulant properties of aspirin were implicated in the observed bleeding tendency.

Conclusions:

  • Antenatal low dose aspirin, while beneficial for preventing certain pregnancy complications, carries a risk of fetal bleeding, including intracranial hemorrhage.
  • Clinicians should carefully weigh the benefits and risks of aspirin therapy during pregnancy, especially concerning potential effects on fetal hemostasis.

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