Low-dose aspirin may prevent growth and later surgical repair of medium-sized abdominal aortic aneurysms

Vasc Endovascular Surg. 2008 Aug-Sep;42(4):329-34. doi: 10.1177/1538574408315205.

Abstract

Experimental data suggest that aspirin-induced platelet inhibition may retard growth of abdominal aortic aneurysms. In this article, whether low-dose aspirin use is associated with reduced aneurysm progression and subsequent need for surgery is examined. In this observational cohort study within a screening trial, 148 patients with small aneurysms (maximum diameter 30-48 mm) annually are followed. Patients were referred for surgery when the aneurysmal diameter exceeded 50 mm. Median follow-up time was 6.6 years. Among patients whose abdominal aortic aneurysms were initially 40 to 49 mm in size, the abdominal aortic aneurysm expansion rate for low-dose aspirin users compared with nonusers was 2.92 mm/y versus 5.18 mm/y (difference 2.27 mm/y, 95% CI, 0.42-4.11). No difference in expansion rates and risk ratios for operative repair was found for patients with abdominal aortic aneurysms <40 mm. For medium-sized abdominal aortic aneurysms, low-dose aspirin may prevent abdominal aortic aneurysm growth and need for subsequent repair, but residual confounding cannot be excluded.

Publication types

  • Randomized Controlled Trial
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Aged
  • Aortic Aneurysm, Abdominal / diagnostic imaging
  • Aortic Aneurysm, Abdominal / drug therapy*
  • Aortic Aneurysm, Abdominal / surgery
  • Aspirin / administration & dosage*
  • Disease Progression
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Mass Screening / methods*
  • Platelet Aggregation Inhibitors / administration & dosage*
  • Prospective Studies
  • Risk Assessment
  • Time Factors
  • Treatment Outcome
  • Ultrasonography
  • Vascular Surgical Procedures*

Substances

  • Platelet Aggregation Inhibitors
  • Aspirin