SMFM

SMFM 2026: Universal aspirin program tied to lower rates of severe preeclampsia

February 12, 2026

Research presented at the Society for Maternal-Fetal Medicine (SMFM) 2026 Meeting found that universal aspirin dispensation at ≤16 weeks’ gestation significantly lowered severe preeclampsia rates in a large public hospital cohort. Comparing two cohorts of 18,457 patients each, the aspirin epoch showed a 29% reduction in preeclampsia with severe features (7.12% vs. 5.19%; odds ratio, 0.71). Time to diagnosis was longer, and benefits were consistent in patients with and without chronic hypertension. Rates of neonatal complications and abruption were unchanged, while postpartum hemorrhage slightly decreased with aspirin (9.5% vs. 8.9%, p = 0.03). More than 80% of eligible patients received aspirin, supporting feasibility of a universal approach.

Source:

Duryea E, et al. Pregnancy. Late-Breaking Abstract Presentations: “Universal Aspirin Administration for Prevention of Preeclampsia.” Presented at Society for Maternal-Fetal Medicine (SMFM) 2026 Pregnancy Meeting. https://obgyn.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/pmf2.70204