Background Our objective was to determine whether preconception-initiated low dose aspirin (LDA) improved live birth rates in women with one to two prior pregnancy losses. Methods This multi-center, block-randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial recruited from four medical centers in the US (2006–2012). Women aged 18–40 years attempting pregnancy were stratified by eligibility criteria: “original”: women with one loss <20 weeks’ gestation during the past year; or “expanded”: women with one to two prior losses regardless of gestational length or time of loss. Women were block-randomized (615 LDA, 613 placebo) by center and eligibility stratum. Preconception-initiated daily LDA (81 mg/day) was compared with placebo for up to six menstrual cycles; for those who conceived, study treatment continued until 36 weeks’ gestation. The primary outcome was live birth rate. The trial was registered on ClinicalTrials.gov (#NCT00467363). Findings Overall, 1078 women completed the trial (LDA 535, placebo 543). Live birth rates were 58% (309/535) in women assigned LDA vs. 53% placebo (286/543; risk difference [RD] 5%; 95% confidence interval [CI] −0·8, 11). Pregnancy loss rates were similar between groups (13% [68/535] LDA, 12% [65/543] placebo; p=0·7812). In the original stratum, live birth rates were 62% (151/242) LDA vs. 53% (133/250) placebo (RD 9%; 95% CI 0·5, 18), and in the expanded, 54% (158/293) LDA vs. 52% (153/293) placebo (RD 2%; 95% CI −6, 10). Major adverse events were similar between treatment arms. LDA was associated with increased bleeding per vaginam, but this was not associated with losses. Interpretation Preconception-initiated LDA was not significantly associated with live birth or pregnancy loss among women with one to two prior losses. However, higher live birth rates were observed among women with a single documented loss at <20 weeks’ gestation during the previous year. LDA is not recommended for the prevention of pregnancy loss.

Background Low dose aspirin (LDA) has been proposed to improve pregnancy outcomes in couples experiencing recurrent pregnancy loss. However, results from studies of LDA on pregnancy outcomes have been inconsistent, perhaps because most studies evaluated LDA-initiated post-conception. The purpose of the Effects of Aspirin in Gestation and Reproduction (EAGeR) trial was to determine whether preconception-initiated LDA improves live-birth rates in women with 1–2 prior losses. Methods We performed a multicenter, block randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial. Study participants were recruited using community-based advertisements and physician referral to four university medical centers in the US (2006–12). Eligible women were aged 18–40 years actively trying to conceive with 1–2 prior losses. Participants were randomised to receive daily LDA (81 mg/day) or a matching placebo, and all were provided with daily 400 mcg folic acid. Follow-up continued for ≤six menstrual cycles while attempting to conceive. For those that conceived, treatment was continued until 36 weeks gestation. The primary outcome was the cumulative live birth rate over the trial period. Results 1228 women were randomised (615 LDA, 613 placebo). Participants had a mean age of 28.7, were mostly white (95%), well educated (86% >high school education), and employed (75%) with a household income >$100,000 annually (40%). Characteristics of those in the treatment and placebo arms were well-balanced. Conclusions We describe the study design, recruitment, data collection, and baseline characteristics of participants enrolled in EAGeR, which aimed to determine the effect of LDA on live birth and other pregnancy outcomes in these women.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Early diagnosis of cerebral palsy (CP) is critical in obtaining evidence-based interventions when plasticity is greatest. In 2017, international guidelines for early detection of CP were published on the basis of a systematic review of evidence. Our study aim was to reduce the age at CP diagnosis throughout a network of 5 diverse US high-risk infant follow-up programs through consistent implementation of these guidelines. METHODS:The study leveraged plan-do-study-act and Lean methodologies. The primary outcome was age at CP diagnosis. Data were acquired during the corresponding 9-month baseline and quarterly throughout study. Balancing measures were clinic no-show rates and parent perception of the diagnosis visit. Clinic teams conducted strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats analyses, process flow evaluations, standardized assessments training, and parent questionnaires. Performance of a 3-to 4-month clinic visit was a critical process step because it included a Hammersmith Infant Neurologic Examination, a General Movements Assessment, and standardized assessments of motor function. RESULTS:The age at CP diagnosis decreased from a weighted average of 19.5 (95% confidence interval 16.2 to 22.8) to 9.5 months (95% confidence interval 4.5 to 14.6), with P = .008; 3-to 4-month visits per site increased from the median (interquartile range) 14 (5.2-73.7) to 54 (34.5-152.0), with P , .001; and no-show rates were not different. Parent questionnaires revealed positive provider perception with improvement opportunities for information content and understandability.CONCLUSIONS: Large-scale implementation of international guidelines for early detection of CP is feasible in diverse high-risk infant follow-up clinics. The initiative was received positively by families and without adversely affecting clinic operational flow. Additional parent support and education are necessary.

15 June 2007.

PRECIS Low-dose aspirin should be investigated as a potential agent to reduce the risk of preterm birth.