Low-dose aspirin for primary prevention of adverse pregnancy outcomes in twin pregnancies: an observational cohort study based on propensity score matching

Abstract

Abstract Background Since the effectiveness of low-dose aspirin (LDA) in twin pregnancies is uncertain, we aimed to preliminarily assess whether LDA is beneficial in preventing preeclampsia in twin pregnancies. Methods This study is an observational study in two hospitals in China. Among 932 women, 277 in the First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University were routinely treated with aspirin (100 mg daily) from 12 to 16 weeks to 35 weeks of gestational age, while 655 in Chongqing Health Center for Women and Children were not taking aspirin during pregnancy. We followed each subject and the individual details were recorded. Results LDA significantly reduced the risk of preeclampsia (RR 0.48; 95% CI 0.24–0.95) and preterm birth 34 weeks (RR 0.50; 95% CI 0.29–0.86) and showed possible benefits to lower the rate of SGA babies (RR 0.74; 95% CI 0.55–1.00). Moreover, the risk of postpartum hemorrhage was not increased by LDA (RR 0.89; 95% CI 0.35–2.26). Conclusions Treatment with low-dose aspirin in twin pregnancies could offer some protection against adverse pregnancy outcomes in the absence of significantly increased risk of postpartum hemorrhage. Trial registration Chinese Clinical Trial Registry (ChiCTR); ChiCTR-OOC-16008203 , Retrospectively registered date: April 1st, 2016;

Keywords

• Low-dose aspirin
• Twin pregnancy
• Preeclampsia
• Preterm birth
• Fetal growth restriction
• Postpartum hemorrhage