PURPOSE:
This study by van Vliet et al. (Obstetrics Gynecology, 2017) sought to determine if antiplatelet agents reduce the risk of spontaneous preterm birth.
METHODS:
Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
RESULTS:
17 studies, including 28,797 women, which randomized women to receive low-dose aspirin/dipyridamole vs. placebo/no treatment to prevent preeclampsia were reviewed. Women in the antiplatelet treatment group had lower risk of spontaneous preterm birth at < 37 weeks and <34 weeks than women in the placebo and no treatment groups. The difference was more marked in women who had a previous pregnancy. The authors conclude that antiplatelet treatment is effective in decreasing the risk of spontaneous preterm birth in the setting of preeclampsia.