Aspirin for preeclampsia prevention in low- and middle-income countries: mind the gaps

Abstract

Preeclampsia is a syndrome that continues to be a major contributor to maternal and neonatal mortality, especially in low-income countries. Low-dose aspirin reduces the risk of preeclampsia, but the mechanism is still unknown. Risk factors to identify women at risk of preeclampsia are based on clinical characteristics. Women identified as high-risk would benefit from aspirin treatment initiated, preferably at the end of the first trimester. Current efforts have largely focused on developing screening algorithms that incorporate clinical risk factors, maternal biomarkers, and uterine artery Doppler evaluated in the first trimester. However, most studies on preeclampsia are conducted in high-income settings, raising uncertainties about whether the information gained can be totally applied in low-resource settings. In low- and middle-income countries, lack of adequate antenatal care and late commencement of antenatal care visits pose significant challenges for both screening for preeclampsia and initiating aspirin treatment. Furthermore, the preventive effect of first-trimester screening based on algorithms and subsequent aspirin treatment is primarily seen for preterm preeclampsia, and reviews indicate minimal or no impact on reducing the risk of term preeclampsia. The lack of evidence regarding the effectiveness of aspirin in preventing term preeclampsia is a crucial concern, as 75% of women will develop this subtype of the syndrome. Regarding adverse outcomes, low-dose aspirin has been linked to a possible higher risk of postpartum hemorrhage, a condition as deadly as preeclampsia in many low- and middle-income countries. The increased risk of postpartum hemorrhage among women in low-income settings should be taken into consideration when discussing which pregnant women would benefit from the use of aspirin and the ideal aspirin dosage for preventing preeclampsia. In addition, women's adherence to aspirin during pregnancy is crucial for determining its effectiveness and complications, an aspect often overlooked in trials. In this review, we analyze the knowledge gaps that must be addressed to safely increase low-dose aspirin use in low- and middle-income countries, and we propose directions for future research.

Keywords: aspirin dosage; aspirin in preeclampsia; low- and middle-income countries; low-dose aspirin; low-resource settings; maternal and perinatal mortality; preeclampsia prevention; preeclampsia screening.

Figure 1

Aspirin and preeclampsia: mind the gaps LMIC There are knowledge gaps concerning the use of low-dose aspirin in LMIC. They include aspirin's mechanism, how to identify women who benefit from aspirin, safety and efficacy, optimal aspirin dosage, and adherence to guidelines and treatment. Addressing and bridging these gaps is essential to safely enhance aspirin therapy in LMIC. LMIC, low and middle-income countries.

Figure 2

Aspirin and preeclampsia: bridge the gaps in LMIC To bridge the knowledge gaps concerning the use of low-dose aspirin in LMIC, we suggest further studies on aspirin's mechanism of action, predictors for screening in LMIC, safety and efficacy, the effects of different dosages of aspirin in randomized trials, and barriers to aspirin use. LMIC, low and middle-income countries.