Changes in platelet reactivity following aspirin treatment for pre-eclampsia.
OBJECTIVE
To determine whether aspirin therapy in women at risk of pre-eclampsia alters in vitro platelet aggregation.


METHODS
Longitudinal observational study.


METHODS
RPMS Institute of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Hammersmith Hospital, London.


METHODS
Six pregnant women at-risk or with pre-eclampsia.


METHODS
Women considered to be at risk of pre-eclampsia or with the disorder were treated with aspirin. In vitro platelet aggregation in response to platelet-activating factor (PAF) and adenosine diphosphate (ADP) before and after aspirin therapy were analysed.


RESULTS
Prior to aspirin therapy platelet aggregation was decreased compared with normal pregnant women. After aspirin therapy platelet aggregation in response to PAF and ADP was greater, but did not return to levels associated with normal pregnancy.


CONCLUSIONS
In women with pre-existing decreased platelet aggregation suggestive of platelet exhaustion, aspirin increased aggregation. This suggests that aspirin decreases in vivo platelet activation and thereby decreases the platelet exhaustion revealed by the in vitro studies.
Sullivan
M H
MH
Institute of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Hammersmith Hospital, London, UK.
Elder
M G
MG
D001241:Aspirin / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D005260:Female; D005317:Fetal Growth Retardation / Q000188:drug therapy; D005865:Gestational Age; D006801:Humans; D008137:Longitudinal Studies; D010974:Platelet Aggregation / Q000187:drug effects*; D011225:Pre-Eclampsia / Q000097:blood / Q000188:drug therapy*; D011247:Pregnancy; D011250:Pregnancy Complications, Hematologic / Q000097:blood / Q000188:drug therapy*; D012307:Risk Factors; D013997:Time Factors
D001241:Aspirin