# Therapeutic Value of Low-Dose Acetylsalicylic Acid for the Prevention of Preeclampsia in High-Risk Bulgarian Women

## TL;DR

This study examines how low-dose aspirin helps prevent preeclampsia in high-risk Bulgarian pregnant women.

## Contribution

The study evaluates the effectiveness of low-dose acetylsalicylic acid in a specific high-risk population in Bulgaria.

## Key findings

- High-risk women had higher UtA-PI and MAP ratios compared to low-risk women.
- Only 75.9% of high-risk women adhered to the prescribed low-dose ASA regimen.
- Personalized prenatal care and education are crucial for improving maternal and fetal outcomes.

## Abstract

Introduction

Preeclampsia (PE) is a syndrome that affects pregnant women after 20 weeks of gestation and involves numerous organ systems. Screening for PE is essential to prevent complications and guide management. Some existing guidelines for screening have limitations in terms of detection rates and false positives. The aim of this study is to assess the therapeutic value of low-dose acetylsalicylic acid (ASA) for the prevention of PE in high-risk Bulgarian women.

Methodology

A prospective cohort research was carried out, encompassing women who were recruited from several routine consultations, such as booking, scanning, and regular prenatal visits. We utilized the purposive sampling technique to carefully choose potential participants. The study was conducted by a maternal-fetal medicine center located in Plovdiv, Bulgaria. The data-gathering period spanned from January 2018 to November 2020. At the appointment, the following procedures were conducted: 1) recording history; 2) assessing height, weight, and blood pressure; 3) collecting blood specimens for biochemical markers; and 4) ultrasound examination.

Results

A total sample size of 1,383 individuals was categorized into two distinct groups: high-risk patients (n = 506) and low-risk patients (n = 877). The mean uterine artery pulsatility index (UtA-PI) and mean arterial pressure (MAP) ratios were all greater in high-risk group women (p < 0.05). The data revealed that a significant number of high-risk women failed to adhere to the prescribed dosage or regular use of ASA as recommended by their doctor. There were only 384 (75.9%) high-risk women who took low-dose ASA regularly.

Conclusion

The findings emphasize the importance of personalized prenatal care and early risk assessment to improve maternal and fetal outcomes. Therefore, it is crucial to educate pregnant women, considering the benefits and risks of low-dose ASA when appropriately indicated.