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The Impact of Universalizing Aspirin Prophylaxis on Treatment Provision for High-Risk Pregnant Patients
Adina R Kern-Goldberger1,2, Kirat Sandhu1, Cara D Dolin1
1Division of Maternal-Fetal Medicine, Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Women's Health Institute, Cleveland Clinic Foundation, Cleveland, Ohio.
Insights
A universal low-dose aspirin policy significantly increased prescription rates for preeclampsia prevention. This policy improved aspirin use broadly and specifically among high-risk patients with hypertension and diabetes.
Area of Science:
- Obstetrics and Gynecology
- Pharmacology
- Public Health
Background:
- Low-dose aspirin is recommended for preeclampsia prevention in high-risk pregnancies.
- Preeclampsia poses significant risks to both mother and fetus.
- Consistent aspirin use is crucial for its preventive efficacy.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the impact of a universal low-dose aspirin policy on prescription rates.
- To assess changes in aspirin utilization before and after policy implementation.
- To determine if the policy improved aspirin use in high-risk populations.
Main Methods:
- Prospective observational study in a multihospital health system.
- Interrupted time series analysis of aspirin prescriptions.
- Inclusion of 11,382 patients, analyzing data up to 16 weeks gestation.
Main Results:
- Statistically significant increase in aspirin prescription rates across the entire cohort (IRR: 2.93).
- Significant increase in aspirin prescription rates for a high-risk subcohort (IRR: 1.48).
- High-risk subcohort included patients with chronic hypertension, pregestational diabetes, and/or multiple gestation.
Conclusions:
- A universal low-dose aspirin policy significantly increased its utilization during pregnancy.
- The policy demonstrated improved aspirin use among high-risk patients.
- Universal aspirin policies may enhance broader risk reduction and optimize care for high-risk individuals.
Abstract:
Low-dose aspirin is an established preventive strategy for reducing the risk of preeclampsia in patients with designated risk factors.This prospective observational study evaluated trends in aspirin prescription rates in a multihospital health system over a 10-month period during which a policy to offer low-dose aspirin universally was instituted.A total of 11,382 patients were included and an interrupted time series was used to analyze rates of aspirin prescriptions ordered by 16 weeks, before and after implementation of the universal policy. There were statistically significant increases in aspirin prescription rates for the entire cohort (incidence rate ratio [IRR]: 2.93; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 2.13-4.04) and for a high-risk subcohort including patients with chronic hypertension, pregestational diabetes, and/or multiple gestation (IRR: 1.48; 95% CI: 1.26-1.76).Instituting a policy to offer universal low dose aspirin during pregnancy resulted in significantly increased utilization among patients with high-risk indications for aspirin. · A universal aspirin policy led to a significant increase in aspirin use across the cohort.. · There were also significant increases among high-risk patients including those with hypertension and diabetes.. · Universal aspirin may lower risk more broadly and improve usage among high-risk patients..
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