Low-dose aspirin for preeclampsia - the unresolved question. Risk factors for preeclampsia, abruptio placentae, and adverse neonatal outcomes among women with chronic hypertension
Low-dose aspirin for preeclampsia - the unresolved question
It may be too soon to discourage pregnant women at risk of preeclampsia from taking small doses of aspirin. Preeclampsia is characterized by high blood pressure and blood clotting abnormalities that can lead to serious complications for mother and baby. Some researchers have shown that aspirin can lower the risk of preeclampsia in pregnant women, but others have speculated that the benefits occur only in women with risk factors for preeclampsia. A 1998 study found aspirin had no effect on the incidence of preeclampsia even in these women, but more research is needed to confirm this conclusion.
Author: Barth, William, Jr.
Women with chronic hypertension have a higher risk of preeclampsia during pregnancy and a higher risk of an adverse fetal outcome. Preeclampsia is high blood pressure and protein in the urine that occurs during pregnancy. Among 763 pregnant women with a history of chronic hypertension, preeclampsia was more common in the women who had had hypertension for four years or more. Women who developed preeclampsia in a previous pregnancy were also more likely to develop it again. Preeclampsia was associated with premature birth and infants who were small for their gestational age.
Author: Sibai, Baha M., Caritis, Steve, Hauth, John, Lindheimer, Marshall, MacPherson, Cora, Klebanoff, Mark, Landon, Mark, Miodovnik, Menachem, Paul, Richard, Meis, Paul, Dombrowski, Mitchell, VanDorsten, Peter
Hypertension, Complications and side effects, Risk factors
Low-dose aspirin to prevent preeclampsia in women at high risk
Low-dose aspirin does not appear to lower the risk of preeclampsia in pregnant women at high risk of the condition. Preeclampsia is characterized by high blood pressure and abnormal blood clotting. Researchers randomly assigned 2503 pregnant women at high risk of preeclampsia to take either 60 milligrams of aspirin daily or a placebo. The women's risk factors included diabetes, pre-existing hypertension and a previous case of preeclampsia. The incidence of preeclampsia was similar in both groups of women, regardless of their personal risk factor.
Author: Caritis, Steve, Hauth, John, Klebanoff, Mark, Landon, Mark, Miodovnik, Menachem, Paul, Richard, Meis, Paul, Thurnau, Gary, Lindheimer, Marshall D., Sibai, Baha, Thom, Elizabeth, VanDorsten, Peter
Subjects list: Health aspects, Prevention, Pregnant women, Preeclampsia, Aspirin
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