Preconception Low-Dose Aspirin Restores Diminished Pregnancy and Live Birth Rates in Women With Low-Grade Inflammation: A Secondary Analysis of a Randomized Trial

Abstract

Abstract Context: Inflammation is linked to causes of infertility. Low-dose aspirin (LDA) may improve reproductive success in women with chronic, low-grade inflammation. Objective: To investigate the effect of preconception-initiated LDA on pregnancy rate, pregnancy loss, live birth rate, and inflammation during pregnancy. Design: Stratified secondary analysis of a multicenter, block-randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial. Setting: Four US academic medical centers, 2007 to 2012. Participants: Healthy women aged 18 to 40 years (N = 1228) with one to two prior pregnancy losses actively attempting to conceive. Intervention: Preconception-initiated, daily LDA (81 mg) or matching placebo taken up to six menstrual cycles attempting pregnancy and through 36 weeks’ gestation in women who conceived. Main Outcome Measures: Confirmed pregnancy, live birth, and pregnancy loss were compared between LDA and placebo, stratified by tertile of preconception, preintervention serum high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hsCRP) (low, <0.70 mg/L; middle, 0.70 to <1.95 mg/L; high, ≥1.95 mg/L). Results: Live birth occurred in 55% of women overall. The lowest pregnancy and live birth rates occurred among the highest hsCRP tertile receiving placebo (44% live birth). LDA increased live birth among high-hsCRP women to 59% (relative risk, 1.35; 95% confidence interval, 1.08 to 1.67), similar to rates in the lower and mid-CRP tertiles. LDA did not affect clinical pregnancy or live birth in the low (live birth: 59% LDA, 54% placebo) or midlevel hsCRP tertiles (live birth: 59% LDA, 59% placebo). Conclusions: In women attempting conception with elevated hsCRP and prior pregnancy loss, LDA may increase clinical pregnancy and live birth rates compared with women without inflammation and reduce hsCRP elevation during pregnancy.