[Acetylsalicylic acid in pregnancy].

Preeclampsia is characterized by a functional imbalance between vascular prostacyclin and thromboxane A2 production. Studies have demonstrated that the increase in thromboxane A2 can be corrected by administration of low-dose aspirin without causing a further decrease in prostacyclin production. Low-dose aspirin during pregnancy appears to be safe for both mother and child. Furthermore, clinical trials have demonstrated that it is effective in reducing the incidence of preeclampsia and/or intrauterine growth retardation in selected high-risk women. The use of aspirin in the treatment of existing preeclampsia and in the prevention of premature labor is not recommended. With regard to recurrent spontaneous abortion, further studies are warranted to evaluate its efficacy.