The Impact of Low Dose Aspirin on Markers of Inflammation and Placental
Function: An Ancillary Study of the ASPIRIN Trial
Abstract
Objective: To determine the impact of low dose aspirin (81mg) on markers
of maternal inflammation and placental function. Setting: Rural Southern
India Population: Nulliparous women with a singleton pregnancy dated by
ultrasound who were enrolled in the ASPIRIN (Aspirin Supplementation for
Pregnancy Indicated risk Reduction In Nulliparas) Trial. Methods: We
performed a case control study of women who delivered prematurely
compared to term controls in women enrolled in the ASPIRIN trial. Women
were prospectively enrolled in an ancillary observational trial wherein
maternal serum was collected and measured between 10 to 13 weeks and 17
to 21 weeks of gestation after initiation of aspirin or an identical
placebo. Our primary outcome was the impact of aspirin on markers of
placental function and maternal inflammation. Results: From 2016-18 with
a total of 666 n women enrolled in this ancillary trial of whom 269 were
selected for analyte analysis. Women who received low dose aspirin (LDA)
had lower levels of Alpha Feto-Protein (AFP) at 10 to 13 weeks than
women who received placebo (Placebo) (LDA 18.3 ng/mL vs 21.4 ng/mL -P
0.001). AFP was similar between the two groups at 17 to 21 weeks. No
other differences were seen in in C-Reactive protein or Anti-Mullerian
Hormone. Conclusion: Low dose aspirin administration lowers AFP early in
pregnancy and may be a marker of Aspirin efficacy. Keywords: maternal
serum alpha-fetoprotein (MSAFP), preterm birth, aspirin Tweetable
Abstract: Aspirin decreases AFP in the first trimester; a marker
associated with poor birth outcomes.