Should you consider low-dose aspirin to reduce preeclampsia risk?
In this day and age of conflicting or inconsistent medical advice, it helps when important recommendations come together based on the evidence. That's the case with the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) and the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF).
In a 2016 practice advisory update, ACOG expands on previous recommendations issued by ACOG's Task Force on Hypertension in Pregnancy in November 2013. The new advisory expands its criteria for the use of aspirin in preventing preeclampsia, and brings it into alignment with USPSTF's clinical guideline published in September 2014.
In its clinical guideline based on a systemic evidence review, the USPSTF recommended the use of low-dose aspirin (81 mg/day) after 12 weeks of pregnancy in women at high-risk of preeclampsia. ACOG's updated practice advisory now expands its criteria for determining high-risk to be consistent with USPSTF's recommendations.
Women are considered to be at high-risk for preeclampsia if one or more of the following risk factors are present:
History of preeclampsia, especially if accompanied by a poor outcome
Multifetal gestation (pregnant with more than one baby)
Chronic hypertension (high blood pressure)
Diabetes (Type 1 or Type 2)
Kidney disease
Autoimmune disease
ACOG supports the recommendation to consider the use of low-dose aspirin (81 mg/day), initiated between 12 and 28 weeks of pregnancy, for the prevention of preeclampsia for women with these risk factors. Most experts go further to suggest any benefits are realized when aspirin is started by 16 weeks.
Victim, Survivor, Advocate: How do you define your relationship with preeclampsia/HELLP?
Many of us who have been through preeclampsia proudly call ourselves "survivors." We belong to a community of women and men who recognize that we have experienced something traumatic and come out the other side different, but in command of our experience. We know fact that we are part of something larger and there are others who understand and identify with our plight. It's a splendid community of passionate individuals!
So what could it mean for you to transition from being a "survivor" (which in itself is worth celebrating!) to also being an "advocate"? This is the central concept that we intend to explore at this year's first Preeclampsia and HELLP Syndrome Patient Advocates Summit on October 13-15, 2016 in Orlando, Florida.
The 2016 Summit will focus on self-exploration, fellowship, and taking action. We want to meet and learn with preeclampsia and HELLP syndrome survivors who are serious about developing their skills in communication, storytelling, and preeclampsia knowledge to locally affect the greater mission of awareness, education, and patient support. Interactive in nature and focused on taking action, the two-day conference is a unique opportunity for those who are ready to engage in the next steps of using their experience to help others.
The 2016 Promise Walk season is finished...how have we moved the bar?
There is an often-quoted Margaret Mead saying: "Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world; indeed, it's the only thing that ever has." Although when it comes to an incredibly complex disease like preeclampsia or HELLP syndrome, it might feel like we are making slow progress, it's important to reflect back to you, that small group of "thoughtful, committed citizens," that you ARE changing the world.
The Promise Walk for Preeclampsia is at the heart of the Preeclampsia Foundation's identity. It is the way that many people first experience our organization's compassion and inclusion. It is also an annual opportunity to gather with people who so perfectly understand what you have been through because of preeclampsia. In the most far-reaching terms, it's the way that preeclampsia survivors, their families, friends, and community can make a financial difference in helping us end the dire impact of hypertensive disorders of pregnancy.
This year, over 4,700 people MADE that difference and raised nearly $450,000 to change our world. We raise money to enact powerful change and that's what we're going to do!
Consider what's already happening just because YOU, a "committed citizen," took part in the 2016 Promise Walk for Preeclampsia.
The Preeclampsia Foundation is seeking a national
Director of Philanthropy to lead and significantly grow the organization's private philanthropy. The Director of Philanthropy will be a leader who will guide and build philanthropic support for immediate (two- to four-year) growth and long-term sustainability by creating a strong relationship management process that engages the Board and executive team in cultivating significant partnerships. S/he will plan, manage and coordinate all fundraising activities, including setting goals, cultivating and soliciting major individual prospects, foundations and corporations, as well as stewarding donors, managing appeals and other development-related activities.
Reporting to the Preeclampsia Foundation's Executive Director, the
Managing Director of the organization will implement the infrastructure and systems needed to support strategic objectives of a national nonprofit organization. S/he will be responsible for the oversight of management and administrative systems including finances, technology, human resources, legal/corporate, and facilities. Additionally, s/he will provide support for programmatic operations including planning, staffing, scaling, and other support activities for the organization's mission and fundraising areas.
If you're interested in applying for either of these positions, please send a cover letter with your resume and salary requirements to Preeclampsia Foundation through email to
[email protected] noting the position title in the subject line.
Available for $23.65 (including shipping and handling), this patient education bundle includes one English poster, one Spanish poster, and five dual-sided English/Spanish tear pads. These educational tools illustrate the signs and symptoms of preeclampsia and, on the posters, include brief descriptions of the routine tests performed to help diagnose preeclampsia.
P.S.
Thanks for keeping in touch with the Preeclampsia Foundation!
Our patient education and research funding could not happen without you. If you like this content and want to get more out to families like yours, please make a gift at
preeclampsia.org/donate.
There is an often-quoted Margaret Mead saying: "Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world; indeed, it's the only thing that ever has." Although when it comes to an incredibly complex disease like preeclampsia or HELLP syndrome, it might feel like we are making slow progress, it's important to reflect back to you, that small group of "thoughtful, committed citizens," that you ARE changing the world.
