Aspirin for Optimising Pregnancy Outcome in Pregestational Diabetes
Pre-gestational diabetes represents a high-risk for the development of preeclampsia, with rates of preeclampsia within this group of approximately 20%. The combination of diabetes and preeclampsia places the pregnancy at increased risk for stillbirth. Studies on the role of low-dose aspirin in the prevention of preeclampsia in high-risk women have yielded conflicting results.
For the pilot study, 24 diabetic patients will be recruited at two hospitals (The Rotunda Hospital and The Coombe Women and Infants University Hospital). 12 patients will be randomised to receive aspirin and 12 will be controls. We aim to determine patient participation rates, compliance with taking aspirin and perinatal outcomes. In addition, logistical issues relating to recruitment, data collection and procurement, transport and storage of serum samples will be tested in this pilot study. If successful in the pilot study we aim to develop a multi-centre study in a large group of diabetic patients.