Low-dose aspirin may prevent flu-related pregnancy complications

A groundbreaking study has revealed that low-dose aspirin may address flu-induced blood vessel inflammation, potentially enhancing blood flow to the placenta during pregnancy. Conducted on animals, the research explored whether a treatment typically used for preeclampsia could also be effective against flu infections. The initial findings, as reported by the research team, appear promising.

Dr. Stella Liong, a Post-Doctoral Research Fellow at RMIT University, spearheaded the study. According to Liong, flu infections during pregnancy can mimic preeclampsia, a serious pregnancy complication characterized by inflammation of the aorta and blood vessels. Low-dose aspirin is already widely used to prevent preeclampsia because it inhibits the production of inflammatory chemicals in the body.

"When the vascular system becomes inflamed, it disrupts blood flow and impacts the aorta's functionality," Liong explained. "This is particularly problematic during pregnancy, where adequate blood flow to the placenta is essential for fetal development."

The study, a collaborative effort between RMIT University, Trinity College Dublin, and the University of South Australia, found that fetuses and placentas from mice infected with influenza A were notably smaller than those from uninfected mice. Indicators of low oxygen levels in the blood and poor blood vessel development were also observed.

However, mice that received daily low-dose aspirin exhibited reduced inflammation and improved fetal development, as well as higher offspring survival rates. While human clinical trials have yet to commence, Liong emphasized that low-dose aspirin is already deemed safe for use during pregnancy. Nevertheless, the research team advises pregnant individuals to consult healthcare professionals before starting any new medication.

Professor Doug Brooks from the University of South Australia highlighted the significant concerns associated with influenza A infections during pregnancy, noting that every pregnancy coincides with part of the flu season. "There are long-term implications for both the mother and the fetus. Aspirin could offer a straightforward solution to prevent this influenza-related pathology," he said.

The study's findings underscore the dangers of flu infections during pregnancy. Professor John O'Leary from Trinity College Dublin stated that this research provides critical insights into the role of vascular inflammation linked to influenza virus and the potential beneficial effects of low-dose aspirin for pregnant women with concurrent flu infections.

Though there is limited research on the impacts of flu infections during pregnancy, RMIT Professor Stavros Selemidis noted that pregnancy significantly alters the body's response to the virus. Previous research by Liong and Selemidis revealed that the flu virus could trigger an excessive immune response during pregnancy, allowing the virus to spread from the lungs to other parts of the body via blood vessels.

"We used to believe that the flu virus remained confined to the lungs," Selemidis said. "However, during pregnancy, the virus can escape the lungs and spread throughout the body, potentially setting the stage for cardiovascular disease later in life for both the mother and the offspring."

While vaccination remains the preferred method for preventing flu infection during pregnancy, Selemidis pointed out that vaccination rates are generally low among pregnant individuals. "Even with low vaccination rates, the flu shot may not elicit an optimal immune response, particularly in those who are pregnant or have underlying medical conditions," he said.

"This is why having a potential backup like low-dose aspirin to prevent vascular dysfunction and improve fetal development during pregnancy is valuable," Selemidis concluded.