Subclinical atherosclerosis in association with elevated placental vascular resistance in early pregnancy

Role of Aspirin in High Pulsatility Index of Uterine Artery: A Consort Study

Background

Preeclampsia is a heterogeneous disorder prevalent in 3-10% of pregnant women globally. The etiology is multifactorial. There is a initial stage of endothelial dysfunction and placental ischemia (Stage 1); this leads to maternal syndrome of hypertension, edema, and proteinuria (Stage 2). Drugs acting on immunomodulatory, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant and proresolving pathways can minimize the complications of preeclampsia. The therapeutic effect of aspirin is based on acetyl group and salicylate group. Both components have independent therapeutic effects on anti-inflammatory pathway and proresolving pathway.

Aims and Objectives

This study was designed to assess the effectiveness and safety of aspirin in prevention and treatment of symptoms and complications of preeclampsia in women at high risk of preeclampsia.

Methods

This is a prospective experimental study to evaluate the effectiveness of aspirin versus placebo in the prevention of maternal syndrome of preeclampsia in women with high risk of preeclampsia (G1 = 97, G2 = 92). Patients with age ≥ 34, chronic hypertension, multiple pregnancies, gestational diabetes, and high pulsatility index of uterine artery were enrolled between 12 and 20 weeks of gestation and prescribed 75 mg aspirin daily till 34 weeks of gestation. Control group was not prescribed aspirin.

Observations and Results

There was a reduction in relative risk of preeclampsia in aspirin group as compared with control group. There was no significant increase in the number of cases of abruption placenta, preterm delivery, neonatal intraventricular hemorrhage, patent ductus arteriosus, and postpartum hemorrhage following aspirin therapy.

Conclusion

In patients with high mean pulsatility index of uterine arteries, low dose aspirin can be a useful intervention. Uterine artery Doppler is a simple and noninvasive test which can be used safely for the prediction of preeclampsia. Aspirin is safe, economical, and easily available commercially.

Causes and mechanisms of intrauterine hypoxia and its impact on the fetal cardiovascular system: a review

Until today the role of oxygen in the development of the fetus remains controversially discussed. It is still believed that lack of oxygen in utero might be responsible for some of the known congenital cardiovascular malformations. Over the last two decades detailed research has given us new insights and a better understanding of embryogenesis and fetal growth. But most importantly it has repeatedly demonstrated that oxygen only plays a minor role in the early intrauterine development. After organogenesis has taken place hypoxia becomes more important during the second and third trimester of pregnancy when fetal growth occurs. This review will briefly adress causes and mechanisms leading to intrauterine hypoxia and their impact on the fetal cardiovascular system.