Low-dose aspirin may prevent growth and later surgical repair of medium-sized abdominal aortic aneurysms.
Experimental data suggest that aspirin-induced platelet inhibition may retard growth of abdominal aortic aneurysms. In this article, whether low-dose aspirin use is associated with reduced aneurysm progression and subsequent need for surgery is examined. In this observational cohort study within a screening trial, 148 patients with small aneurysms (maximum diameter 30-48 mm) annually are followed. Patients were referred for surgery when the aneurysmal diameter exceeded 50 mm. Median follow-up time was 6.6 years. Among patients whose abdominal aortic aneurysms were initially 40 to 49 mm in size, the abdominal aortic aneurysm expansion rate for low-dose aspirin users compared with nonusers was 2.92 mm/y versus 5.18 mm/y (difference 2.27 mm/y, 95% CI, 0.42-4.11). No difference in expansion rates and risk ratios for operative repair was found for patients with abdominal aortic aneurysms <40 mm. For medium-sized abdominal aortic aneurysms, low-dose aspirin may prevent abdominal aortic aneurysm growth and need for subsequent repair, but residual confounding cannot be excluded.
Lindholt
Jes S
JS
Department of Vascular Surgery, Vascular Research Unit, Viborg Hospital, Viborg, Denmark. Jes.S.Lindholt@Sygehusviborg.dk
Sorensen
Henrik T
HT
Michel
Jean B
JB
Thomsen
Henrik F
HF
Henneberg
Eskild W
EW
D000368:Aged; D017544:Aortic Aneurysm, Abdominal / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000601:surgery; D001241:Aspirin / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D018450:Disease Progression; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008403:Mass Screening / Q000379:methods*; D010975:Platelet Aggregation Inhibitors / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D011446:Prospective Studies; D018570:Risk Assessment; D013997:Time Factors; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D014463:Ultrasonography; D014656:Vascular Surgical Procedures
D010975:Platelet Aggregation Inhibitors; D001241:Aspirin