Key finding
In the ASPRE trial, 1,620 women found to be at high risk by first-trimester screening took aspirin 150 mg each night or placebo from 11 to 14 weeks until 36 weeks. Pre-eclampsia before 37 weeks occurred in 1.6% of the aspirin group against 4.3% with placebo, a reduction of about 62% (odds ratio 0.38).
Check every pregnant woman for pre-eclampsia risk factors at booking, ideally before 16 weeks, and make sure women at high risk start low-dose aspirin as prescribed and continue it to 36 weeks. Pharmacists can reinforce adherence at each refill.
Rolnik DL, Wright D, Poon LC, et al. Aspirin versus placebo in pregnancies at high risk for preterm preeclampsia. N Engl J Med 2017;377(7):613-622.
Read the original paperSummarised by the Draxer Clinical Advisory Department for health professionals. It supports, and does not replace, clinical judgement.