CUHK pioneers effective preeclampsia prevention through pan-Asian study
The research team led by Prof. Liona Poon (2nd right, front) finds that low-dose aspirin can reduce the risk of preterm preeclampsia by 41%.
A pan-Asian research study has demonstrated the effectiveness of an early screen-and-prevent strategy that can significantly reduce the risk of complications for pregnant women at high risk of preeclampsia. The multi-centre study, led by CU Medicine’s Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, found that low-dose aspirin lowered the risk of preterm preeclampsia by 41%.
Preeclampsia is a serious pregnancy complication that can lead to severe health issues for both mother and baby. Affecting about 2-8% of pregnant women globally, the condition is typically diagnosed based on high blood pressure and the presence of protein in the urine after the 20th week of gestation.
Prof. Liona Poon of the Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology explains the critical need for early detection, ‘Preeclampsia may not show any symptoms. The condition can get worse with time and symptoms may only go away after delivery. Some affected women develop very severe disease, associated with kidney, liver and neurological problems, while the foetus may experience impaired growth or premature birth, and it can even be fatal for both the mother and the baby. Therefore, early detection is important.’
Low-dose aspirin and early detection yield significant results across Asia
Previous research has shown that low-dose aspirin is an effective intervention for pregnant women at high risk of developing preterm preeclampsia. Indeed, screen-and-prevent strategies for the condition are common in Europe. This study sought to investigate the efficacy, acceptance and safety of such a strategy among pregnant women from different regions and cultural backgrounds.
The CUHK-led study involved screening over 42,000 pregnant women in early pregnancy (11-13 weeks) across 10 regions in Asia to predict preterm preeclampsia. Women identified as high-risk were given low-dose aspirin as a preventive measure from before 16 weeks until 36 weeks. The results were significant: 88% of participating women accepted the screening strategy, while low-dose aspirin reduced the risks of preterm and early onset preeclampsia by 41% and 54%, respectively. It also lowered the risks of spontaneous preterm birth and perinatal death by 55% and 66%, respectively.
The study has clearly shown that this screen-and-prevent strategy, though developed in the West, has been well accepted by a diverse group of women across Asia. The findings are expected to help promote the global adoption of this strategy as part of early prenatal care.
Putting findings into practice
Following the study, CU Medicine collaborated with the Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology at the Prince of Wales Hospital (PWH) in Hong Kong to provide a pilot screening and prevention service. This service has now screened over 10,000 pregnant women, with promising results.
Dr. Isabella Wah, Consultant at PWH, welcomes the pilot, ‘Our free collaborative screening and prevention service for preterm preeclampsia with CU Medicine has successfully identified 1,350 high-risk women and provided them with follow-up preventive measures. Compared with the same period in 2022, the risk of preterm preeclampsia is 40% lower. We are delighted to have funding support for this service from the New Territories East Cluster of the Hospital Authority, enabling us to offer holistic care for mothers and babies.’
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Visiting Scholars / Research Training Programmes
The Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology at CUHK is a leading training centre in the Asia-Pacific region, offering a wide range of research opportunities and rigorous clinical training. Under the subspecialty of maternal fetal medicine, the department invites visiting scholars and physicians from around the world to join its Visiting Scholars / Research Training Programmes. Participants can choose from 6-month to 2-year attachments, with the aim of elevating their medical skills, enabling cross-regional collaboration, and equipping them with clinical research capabilities. Upon completion of the programmes, participants will have the opportunity to apply for a PhD programme at CUHK. For details, please refer to the website.