Aspirin may reduce risk of miscarriage

For women who have had miscarriage, there is little help doctors can give them to ensure that it won't happen again.

Jean Wactawski-Wende, UB professor and associate chair of the Department of Social and Preventive Medicine, is the principal investigator for a research study evaluating the use of low-dose aspirin compared to a placebo in women who have had a pregnancy loss. "They're basically told to wait a few months, then try again," said Jean Wactawski Wende, University at Buffalo professor and associate chair of the Department of Social and Preventive Medicine.

Wactawski Wende is the principal investigator for a research study called the Effects of Aspirin in Gestation and Reproduction, which is in the process of evaluating the use of low-dose aspirin compared to a placebo in women who have had a pregnancy loss.

"Low-dose aspirin reduces clotting and inflammation, which are two properties that could help in maintaining pregnancies," Wactawski-Wende said.

Researchers at the University at Buffalo were awarded the study a year ago and have spent the past six months recruiting participants, which they will do until the study runs out in three years.

Research associate Jennifer Reschke demonstrates a monitor to Andrea Frazer, who is pregnant. Photos by Joe Eberle. Purchase color photos at www.BeeNews.com Participants must be 18 to 40 years in age, want to become pregnant and have had a miscarriage or pregnancy loss at some time in the past.

"Once a woman joins, she would come in twice a month for the first two months in the pregnancy, then just once a month after that," Wactawski Wende said. After joining, participants are given a high-sensitivity fertility monitor that can improve chances of becoming pregnant, free folic acid supplements - which have been known to reduce the chance of birth defects - a small stipend, and increased medical surveillance in addition to regular prenatal care.

"We've had a good response so far," Wactawski-Wende noted. "We have 16 women currently signed up. We're shooting for over 500."

Wactawski-Wende hopes that this study will help women who want to have children maintain healthy pregnancies resulting in healthy babies.

"We want to optimize every woman's chance to have a baby," she said. "I hope that we find that the benefits outweigh the risks."

There are no known risks to mother or child from low-dose aspirin in the first 36 weeks of pregnancy.

The aspirin doses given to the women in the study are 80 milligrams, or about the dosage of a baby aspirin. Regular adult doses of aspirin are around 325 milligrams.

Women who are pregnant or looking to become pregnant should not take aspirin on their own, as the study has not yet been validated.

"This is a controlled setting, so we can ensure safety," Wactawski-Wende said. "The aspirin may or may not be effective, but ... through this study, we're hoping to provide real evidence that will help women who have lost a pregnancy. If aspirin is found to be effective, we will spread the information to women and change the balance of risk and benefit."

For more information on the study or to express interest in participating, call 829-3128 or e-mail spm-eager@buffalo.edu.