Aspirin for prevention of preeclampsia and fetal growth restriction

Area of Science:

• Obstetrics and Gynecology
• Maternal-Fetal Medicine
• Pharmacology

Background:

• Aspirin's proangiogenic, antithrombotic, and anti-inflammatory effects support placentation.
• Low-dose aspirin is used to prevent placenta-mediated complications like preeclampsia and fetal growth restriction.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the clinical application of aspirin in pregnancy.
• To discuss optimal timing, dosage, and risk stratification for aspirin use.
• To evaluate aspirin's efficacy in preventing preeclampsia and fetal growth restriction.

Main Methods:

• Review of current literature and guidelines on aspirin use in pregnancy.
• Analysis of factors influencing aspirin's effectiveness, including timing, dosage, and patient selection.
• Examination of evidence for aspirin in preventing preeclampsia and fetal growth restriction.

Main Results:

• Aspirin is effective in preventing preeclampsia in high-risk populations.
• Risk stratification improves with the inclusion of biochemical and biophysical markers beyond medical history.
• Starting aspirin before 16 weeks of gestation at 100 mg/day or more is suggested.

Conclusions:

• Aspirin is beneficial for preventing preeclampsia, especially when initiated early and with appropriate risk assessment.
• Further research is required to identify specific patient groups who will benefit most from prophylactic aspirin.
• Aspirin's role in preventing fetal growth restriction requires further investigation.