Effect of low dose aspirin on fetal outcome in women at risk for developing pregnancy induced hypertension

Abstract

Background: Though pregnancy induced hypertension is a worldwide problem, it is more prevalent in developing countries particularly south east Asian and African countries. It contributes to 20% of perinatal death and 40-50% of low birth weight babies in India. Fetal salvage is also an important consideration in providing quality care. Low dose aspirin given between 12 weeks to 28 weeks of gestational age in high-risk women at Developing Pregnancy Induced Hypertension (PIH) is anticipated to prevent the development of PIH and complications that arises especially those regarding maternal and fetal mortality due to PIH.Methods: This prospective randomized controlled trial was conducted in the dept of O and G, SCB MC and Hospital, Cuttack during November 2018 to October 2019. Pregnant women between the gestational age of 13 to 28 week were screened for risk factors and included in this study. Low dose aspirin of 60 mg daily till delivery was given to pregnant women who consented to be a part of study randomly with the other group taking placebo.Results: Incidence of IUGR babies in low dose aspirin treated mothers was as low as 1%. Incidence of LBW babies is lower in low dose aspirin treated mothers than with those who were not treated. Mean birth weight in cases was 2780 gm±352 gm vs control 2592 gm±483 gm. There is increased incidence of still birth in high risk group not treated with aspirin. No significant difference in reducing incidence premature deliveries between case and control.Conclusions: Low dose aspirin has a definite role in the prevention of PIH in high risk pregnancy and its complication like IUGR and low birth weight. Low dose aspirin reduces the incidence of PIH. Low dose aspirin can be considered a safe drug without any deleterious side effect for mother and the fetus. Benefits of prevention of PIH, justifies its administration in women at high risk.