Date of Award

Spring 2023

Document Type

Scholarly Project

Degree Name

Master of Physician Assistant Studies (MPAS)

Department

Physician Assistant Studies

First Advisor

Solberg, Julie

Keywords

aspirin, pravastatin, preeclampsia prevention, preterm delivery

Abstract

This literature review is an examination of the use of low-dose aspirin therapy versus the use of pravastatin therapy to prevent preterm delivery in women at risk of developing preeclampsia. Preeclampsia is defined as new onset hypertension after 20 weeks of gestation with evidence of maternal organ or uteroplacental dysfunction or proteinuria. Preeclampsia is a serious condition that affects pregnant women and their growing fetuses which may lead to maternal or fetal demise. The Prevention of preeclampsia with the use of low-dose aspirin in the first 12-16 weeks is currently the mainstay of treatment for women with moderate to severe risk factors predisposing them to develop preeclampsia. This literature review looks at the use of low-dose aspirin therapy to prevent preterm delivery and the potential side effects of this therapy on the mother and fetus. Additionally, this review provides some insight into new clinical trials using HMG-CoA reductase inhibitors, specifically pravastatin, and the risk and benefits of this potential treatment option.

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