Indications for commencing aspirin for the prevention of pregnancy-induced hypertension and pre-eclampsia spectrum disorders

Abstract

HYPERTENSIVE DISORDERS of pregnancy are a leading cause of maternal, fetal and neonatal morbidity.1 Furthermore, they are a leading cause of maternal mortality in countries with developing economies. Evidence suggests there is a reduction in the risk of pre-eclampsia toxaemia when low-dose aspirin (LDA) therapy is initiated in early pregnancy.2 For women diagnosed with pregnancy-induced hypertension, the risk of recurrence is 20% in subsequent pregnancies. Additionally, this risk increases significantly for women diagnosed with pre-eclampsia requiring delivery before 37 weeks’ gestation.1 The indications for starting LDA for prevention of pre-eclampsia are based on the presence of at least one high-risk factor, or two or more moderate-risk factors (Table 1)