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Low-dose aspirin in pregnancy: maternal and neonatal aspirin concentrations and neonatal prostanoid formation

Andreas Leonhardt1, Stefanie Bernert, Bernhard Watzer

  • 1Department of Pediatrics, Philipp's University, Marburg, Germany. andreas.leonhardt@mailer.uni-marburg.de

Pediatrics
|January 2, 2003
PubMed

Insights

Low-dose aspirin prophylaxis (LDA) in pregnant women leads to fetal exposure to salicylic acid, suppressing neonatal platelet function. However, neonatal renal prostanoid formation remains unaffected by maternal LDA.

Area of Science:

  • Obstetrics and Gynecology
  • Neonatal Pharmacology
  • Maternal-Fetal Medicine

Background:

  • Low-dose aspirin prophylaxis (LDA) is commonly used during pregnancy.
  • Understanding the pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic effects of LDA on both mother and fetus is crucial.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To evaluate maternal and neonatal plasma concentrations of acetylsalicylic acid and salicylic acid.
  • To assess neonatal endogenous prostanoid formation during maternal LDA.

Main Methods:

  • Gas chromatography-mass spectrometry was used to determine drug concentrations in maternal and umbilical cord plasma.
  • In vivo evaluation of neonatal prostanoid formation (thromboxane A2, prostaglandin E2, prostacyclin) and their metabolites.

Main Results:

  • Maternal plasma showed rapid increases in acetylsalicylic acid and salicylic acid with LDA.
  • Neonatal platelet thromboxane A2 formation was significantly suppressed by maternal LDA.
  • Neonatal renal prostanoid formation and prostaglandin E2/prostacyclin levels were unaffected.

Conclusions:

  • Maternal LDA leads to fetal exposure to salicylic acid.
  • Acetylsalicylic acid exerts antiplatelet effects in the fetus and newborn.
  • Neonatal platelet function recovers post-discontinuation of maternal LDA.
Abstract

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